Soft Skin Solutions
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin condition that causes red, itchy and inflamed skin. While there is no cure, good self-care can help manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Atopic Dermatitis Self-Care Tips
1. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Moisturizing your skin is one of the most important things you can do if you have atopic dermatitis. When your skin is dry, it becomes more irritated and itchy, which can lead to flare-ups. To prevent this:
- Use a good moisturizer. Choose a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment. Lotions are usually too light and can dry out quickly.
- Apply moisturizer daily. Apply your moisturizer right after bathing, when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture.
- Use it often. Don’t wait for your skin to dry out—apply moisturizer several times a day, especially in dry weather or after washing your hands.
2. Take Gentle Showers or Baths
While bathing can help soothe your skin, hot water and harsh soaps can dry it out. Here’s how to bathe without making your eczema worse:
- Use lukewarm water. Hot water strips your skin of natural oils. Use warm or cool water instead.
- Limit shower time. Try to keep your showers short, around ten minutes or less.
- Choose mild cleansers. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps or body washes that won’t irritate your skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Pat skin dry. After bathing, gently pat your skin with a towel. Rubbing too hard can irritate sensitive skin.
- Moisturize immediately. As soon as you step out of the shower, apply a moisturizer to your skin to lock in the moisture.
3. Avoid Triggers
Certain things can trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help you manage your condition more effectively. Common triggers include:
- Harsh soaps and detergents. Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to reduce skin irritation.
- Scratchy fabrics. Wool and synthetic materials can irritate the skin. Instead, wear for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton.
- Stress. Stress can worsen eczema symptoms. Finding ways to relax, such as meditation or exercise, can help reduce flare-ups.
- Allergens. Dust, pollen, pet dander and mold can all trigger symptoms in some people. Keep your living space clean to minimize allergens.
4. Don’t Scratch
One of the hardest things about atopic dermatitis is the urge to scratch. But scratching can make the condition worse by damaging the skin and increasing the risk of infection. To reduce itching:
- Use anti-itch creams. Over-the-counter creams with hydrocortisone or calamine can help soothe itchy skin.
- Try cold compresses. Applying a cold, damp cloth to the itchy area can help reduce the urge to scratch.
- Trim your nails. Keeping your nails short can help prevent damage to your skin if you do end up scratching.
- Wear gloves at night. If you scratch in your sleep, wearing gloves can protect your skin from damage.
5. Dress for Comfort
The clothes you wear can have a big impact on your skin. Find clothing that won’t irritate your eczema:
- Choose loose-fitting clothes. Tight clothes can rub against your skin and cause irritation. Loose clothing made from soft fabrics like cotton is better.
- Avoid wool and synthetics. These materials can make eczema worse. Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Wash new clothes before wearing. Washing new clothes can help remove any chemicals or dyes that may irritate your skin.
6. Protect Your Skin from the Weather
Weather conditions can affect eczema. Cold, dry air can dry out your skin, while heat and humidity can cause sweating, which can also irritate your skin. Here are some ways to protect your skin:
- In cold weather. Wear gloves, scarves and warm layers to protect your skin from the cold. Keep your home humidified to prevent dry air.
- In hot weather. Stay cool by wearing lightweight clothing and using fans or air conditioning. Avoid getting too sweaty, and change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible.
7. Manage Stress
Stress doesn’t cause atopic dermatitis, but it can make flare-ups worse. Managing stress is an important part of self-care for eczema. Try these tips to keep stress under control:
- Exercise. Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your overall health. Just be careful not to overheat or sweat too much, as this can trigger eczema.
- Relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing, yoga or meditation to calm your mind and body.
- Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can make stress worse. Develop a bedtime routine to help you relax and sleep better.
8. Consider Diet Changes
In some cases, food allergies or sensitivities can trigger eczema flare-ups. While this is not true for everyone, some common triggers include:
- Dairy products. Milk, cheese and other dairy products can worsen eczema in some people.
- Gluten. Foods with gluten, such as bread, pasta and cereals, can trigger symptoms for those with a gluten sensitivity.
- Eggs. Some people with eczema find that eggs make their symptoms worse.
If you suspect food triggers, keeping a food diary and speaking with a doctor can help identify what might be causing flare-ups.
Eczema Treatments
In addition to self-care, some treatments can help manage atopic dermatitis. Some common treatments include:
- Topical steroids. These creams and ointments reduce inflammation and itching. They are often prescribed by doctors for flare-ups.
- Antihistamines. These can help reduce itching, especially at night. Some antihistamines can make you sleepy, which may also help you sleep better.
- Phototherapy. Light therapy can help some people with eczema by reducing inflammation. This treatment is typically done in a doctor's office.
- Prescription medications. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe oral medications to manage eczema when other treatments don’t work.
Helping Reduce the Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
Taking care of your skin through proper self-care can help reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. By keeping your skin moisturized, avoiding triggers and managing stress, you can help prevent flare-ups and manage your condition. If self-care isn’t enough, there are several treatments available to help control eczema. Talk to your doctor about what options are best for you.