Eczema is a chronic skin condition, also commonly known as atopic dermatitis. Sufferers often feel the constant need to itch the skin. This itching can lead to red rashes, blister-like sores that ooze, and scaly, rough patches of skin. The phrase “eczema flare-ups,” is used to describe outbreaks or episodes where the condition gets worse.
Those who suffer from eczema are often plagued with skin conditions for life, but there are ways to seek relief. Unfortunately, this relief can be short-term. Some individuals can go months without an eczema rash and wakeup one morning to have a significant outbreak. Although there is no way to cure eczema, there are steps you can take to avoid regular flare-ups.
Types Of Eczema
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Atopic Dermatitis – Atopic Dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Luckily, the condition is rarely constant. Instead, those who suffer from this type of eczema experience outbreaks or flare-ups. Trigger factors, which may include certain foods and chemical irritations, are the leading cause of atopic dermatitis. Patients who determine their trigger factors and work to eliminate them tend to experience fewer and less severe flare-ups.
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Contact Eczema – Contact eczema is similar to atopic dermatitis, but it results in a localized reaction. A common cause of a contact eczema outbreak is direct skin contact with chemicals. For example, some women may experience flare-ups on their risks, hands, or face after applying makeup. Although anyone can suffer from contact eczema, those with a history of allergies are more prone.
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Seborrheic Eczema – Seborrheic eczema, like other forms of the condition, is an inflammation of the skin. The skin is irritated. This eczema, however, is used to describe flare-ups and outbreaks that don’t have a cause. Many areas of the body are targeted, but the face and scalp are most commonly affected. A common example of this type of eczema is cradle cap in babies and infants.
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Nummular Eczema- Although relatively rare and uncommon, nummular eczema is another type of diagnosable eczema. The most noticeable and distinguishable feature is patches of irritated skin that are coin-shaped. It is a chronic condition. Allergies, family history of eczema, and asthma lead to an increased risk. While anyone can have nummular eczema, it is most common in elderly males.
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Dyshidrotic eczema – Dyshidrotic eczema, or dyshidrosis, is a skin condition in which blisters develop on the soles of your feet and/or the palms of your hands. The blisters are usually itchy and may be filled with fluid. Blisters normally last for about two to four weeks and may be related to seasonal allergies or stress.
There are other types of eczema that men, women, and children suffer from. Although the names are different, the treatment options are usually the same. Medical professionals recommend avoiding skin irritants, keeping the body well moisturized, and making the switch to all-natural products. For an accurate diagnosis on what type of eczema you suffer from, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
How To Avoid or Reduce Eczema Flare-Ups?
1. Find Your Trigger Factor
The phrase “trigger factor,” is often used to describe the onset of an eczema outbreak. Something triggers the skin. It is irritating and produces a reaction. There are different causes for flare-ups and outbreaks, but a medical professional has developed a list of common factors. They include dairy products, chemical irritants, allergies, weather, and stress.
2. Eliminate Your Trigger Factors
Once you believe you found the cause of your flare-ups, eliminate these as an issue. Keep a daily log to monitor what you eat, what you are doing, and what you come into contact with. Compare your outbreaks to this log to determine possible culprits. Then, work to avoid them. You should automatically notice a reduction in outbreaks.
3. Avoid Too Much Direct Sunlight
While sunlight is good for the body and skin, too much of it can cause dry skin. Dry skin is another common cause of eczema’s reduced breakouts. Don’t hide inside and avoid the sun forever, but display caution. Apply sunscreen, wear covering clothes, and seek sunlight in moderation.
4. Keep the Skin Well Moisturized
As previously stated, dry skin can lead to an eczema outbreak. Avoid dry skin by keeping your body hydrated and well-moisturized. After a shower or bath, immediately dab the skin slightly dry and apply moisturizer. Continue applying lotions and creams throughout the day.
These are just a few ways that you can avoid eczema flare-ups, but they are successful and easy to implement.
Many eczema patients spend months using trial and error to address their trigger factors. This is a great way to cure eczema, but there are steps you can take to care for your skin in the meantime. For some sufferers, a little skincare goes a long way.
8 Natural Ways To Treat Eczema
If you suffer from eczema, you want and need to seek relief. You may opt for expensive over-the-counter products or try prescriptions recommended by your doctor. These may work, but don’t discount natural ways to fight off eczema. Luckily, there are many natural remedies that have proven effective for treating eczema, 8 of which are outlined below.
1. Protect Your Body
There are two different ways you can care for your skin and protect your body. First, wear clothes that cover your body. If eczema is confined to your upper-thighs, don’t wear shorts. Opt for cotton pants or capris instead. Although you may still feel the urge to itch, direct contact with the skin is impossible, as the skin is covered. This reduces the risk of open wounds, skin infections, and scars, which are common with severe eczema.
Secondly, you can protect your body by avoiding unnatural products. For many, makeup, perfume, and scented laundry detergent are the cause of eczema outbreaks. Yes, you may have another trigger factor, but start your own trial and error. Eliminate unnatural beauty products from your daily routine and see if you notice a decrease in itching. Not only are you practicing healthy skincare, but you may have also found your trigger factor.
2. Moisturize, Moisturize, and Moisturize More
Dry skin is one of the leading causes of eczema. Although a leading cause, it is often overlooked. To avoid dry skin and the uncontrollable itching associated with eczema, moisturize your skin throughout the day. Most importantly, apply moisturizer immediately following a bath or shower. This alone will do wonders for your skin. Continue to apply moisturizer throughout the day. If you feel the need to itch or touch your skin, opt for a bottle of lotion or cream instead. Our Eczema Balm is one of our best seller products in Precious Droplets. Click the picture below to know more about the balm.
3. Change Your Diet to Include Skin Healthy Foods
You may be surprised to hear that what you eat impacts your skin’s health. It is true. Unfortunately, changing your diet can be a double edge sword. Some eczema sufferers have outbreaks caused by food. When changing your diet, be on the lookout for additional trigger factors. As for skin healthy foods, fruits protect the skin cells from long-term damage and aid in the fight against premature aging. Fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts, are known to lock moisture in cell membranes, but these same foods are common eczema causes. Although you can take steps to incorporate skin healthy foods into your diet yourself, consider using the services of a registered dietitian.
4. Bathe Properly
Proper bathing and showering is key to not only treating eczema but preventing more outbreaks. Most medical professionals recommend short showers or baths. Lukewarm water with no bath bubbles is advised. Eczema suffers should also limit the amount of scented shampoo, conditioner, and soap they use. Opt for all-natural or organic instead. Although not necessarily an all-natural cure, lotions, and creams should be applied immediately following a bath or shower to lock in the moisture.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Lukewarm baths and showers have their benefits because they moisturize the skin. Lotions and creams can help keep this moisture locked in. Don’t just moisture your body from the outside, but the inside too. The most natural and easiest way to do so is to drink lots of water. Keep your body hydrated and it will help your skin, making eczema easier to manage.
6. Take Oatmeal Baths
Above it was stated that short baths and showers are recommended. The only exception to this is when oatmeal is used. Oatmeal tends to have a calming effect on the skin. There is an all-natural oatmeal bath product sold at most department stores and drug stores, but you can easily make your own mixture. Honestly, the oatmeal sold at supermarkets will do. Add two or three cups to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
7. Use All Natural Supplements
All-natural supplements have proven helpful in many eczema patients. In fact, some swear by them. What you want to do is research natural supplements that can help treat or cure eczema. Good examples include fish oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Then, work on adding these supplements to your diet. Do so slowly and one at a time, so you know which works and which doesn’t. Supplements come in over-the-counter format, but most are found naturally in foods too.
8. Wet Wraps
Wet wrap therapy is another successful home remedy for eczema. Many sufferers use this home treatment option immediately following a bath or shower and at night. After bathing or showering, moisturize the body as normal. Then, take bandages and soak them in mildly warm water. Apply and wrap them around the impacted area, such as your elbows or knees.
These are just a few of the many, natural ways that you can treat eczema at home. Since different treatment methods work differently for certain individuals, you may need to try a number of home and all-natural remedies, before you find eczema relief. Luckily, you have many choices. That’s all for now. Hope these helps ya!
Xoxo,
Alia
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