If you have eczema, you know that a flare-up can sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. Your skin may feel perfectly fine one day and become dry, itchy, red, or irritated the next.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects the skin barrier and immune system. While there is no single cure for eczema, many people can reduce symptoms and better manage flare-ups by understanding their triggers and taking consistent care of their skin.
In honor of National Eczema Month, we’re taking a closer look at some everyday habits that may help keep eczema-prone skin more comfortable.
1. Moisturize Consistently
When you have eczema, moisturizing shouldn’t be reserved for the days when your skin is especially dry. Making it part of your daily routine can help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Look for a fragrance-free cream or ointment rather than relying solely on lighter lotions. Apply moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing.
One of the best opportunities to moisturize is immediately after a shower or bath. Gently pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp, and apply your moisturizer to help seal in that moisture.
2. Keep Showers Short and Lukewarm
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a long, hot shower, but your skin may not agree.
Hot water can strip oils from the skin and contribute to dryness and irritation. Instead, try taking shorter showers or baths using lukewarm water.
When you’re finished, avoid rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel. Gently pat dry and follow with moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
3. Choose Skin Care Products Carefully
Eczema-prone skin can be particularly sensitive to ingredients found in some soaps, body washes, lotions, and other personal-care products.
When possible, choose products labeled fragrance-free. Don’t assume that unscented means the same thing. Unscented products may still contain ingredients used to mask odors.
If your skin is frequently irritated, simplifying your routine and introducing new products one at a time can also make it easier to identify potential irritants.
4. Get to Know Your Triggers
Eczema triggers aren’t universal. What causes a flare for one person may have no effect on another.
Some common triggers include:
- Dry or cold weather
- Heat and sweating
- Certain fragrances or skin-care products
- Harsh soaps and detergents
- Rough fabrics
- Environmental allergens
- Stress
- Changes in temperature
Pay attention to when your symptoms appear. You may begin to notice patterns that can help you avoid or prepare for your personal triggers.
5. Try Not to Scratch
We know – this one is easier said than done.
The itch associated with eczema can be intense, and scratching may provide temporary relief. Unfortunately, scratching can damage the skin and make irritation worse. It can also create openings in the skin that increase the risk of infection.
Instead, consider using a cool compress or applying your recommended moisturizer or medication when itching strikes. Keeping your fingernails short may also help reduce damage from scratching.
If itching regularly keeps you awake at night or interferes with everyday activities, talk with your dermatologist about treatment options.
6. Pay Attention to What Touches Your Skin
Your clothing and laundry products can play a role in how your skin feels.
Choose soft, breathable fabrics and avoid wearing rough materials directly against your skin if they cause irritation. You may also want to consider using fragrance-free, dye-free laundry detergent.
If you notice that your skin becomes irritated after wearing a particular fabric or using a new laundry product, consider removing that potential trigger from your routine and seeing whether your symptoms improve.
7. Protect Your Skin From Weather Changes
Your skin doesn’t experience the same conditions year-round.
Cold, dry air can contribute to dryness, while hot and humid conditions may cause more sweating and irritation. Indoor heating and air conditioning can also affect the moisture level of the air around you.
Adjust your skin-care routine as the seasons change. During drier months, you may need to moisturize more frequently. During hot weather, keeping your skin cool and changing out of sweaty clothing can help reduce irritation.
If indoor air is particularly dry, a humidifier may also provide some relief.
8. Find Healthy Ways to Manage Stress
Stress doesn’t cause eczema, but it can contribute to flare-ups or make symptoms more difficult to manage.
When you’re under stress, changes in your body’s stress response can affect inflammation and immune activity. Stress can also make itching feel more noticeable, which may lead to more scratching and further skin irritation.
Of course, completely eliminating stress isn’t realistic. Instead, focus on finding healthy ways to manage it.
That might include:
- Taking a walk or exercising regularly
- Practicing deep breathing or meditation
- Getting adequate sleep
- Spending time with friends and family
- Making time for hobbies and activities you enjoy
- Taking breaks when you feel overwhelmed
- Practicing relaxation techniques
It may also be helpful to notice whether your eczema tends to flare during particularly stressful periods. Recognizing that pattern can help you be more proactive about your skin care and treatment.
9. Don’t Assume Every Rash Is Eczema
If you’ve experienced eczema before, it can be tempting to assume every new itchy or irritated patch is another flare.
However, several other skin conditions can cause similar symptoms. Contact dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections, and other conditions can sometimes resemble eczema.
A rash that is new, changing, persistent, or not responding to your usual eczema routine may deserve a closer look.
A dermatologist can evaluate your skin and determine whether eczema is actually the cause. Getting the right diagnosis is an important first step toward getting the right treatment.
10. Know When It’s Time to See a Dermatologist
Managing eczema isn’t always as simple as changing your soap or applying moisturizer.
If you’re experiencing frequent or severe flare-ups, persistent itching, skin infections, sleep disruption, or symptoms that aren’t improving with your current routine, it may be time to talk with a dermatologist.
Depending on the type and severity of your eczema, treatment may include prescription topical medications, biologic medications, or other systemic treatments.
Your dermatologist can help identify potential triggers, assess the severity of your condition, and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Living Well With Eczema
Eczema can sometimes feel unpredictable. You may find yourself wondering what caused a flare, whether it was something you used on your skin, the weather, stress, or something else entirely.
Learning your personal triggers can take time, but you don’t have to navigate eczema alone.
Consistent moisturizing, gentle skin care, trigger awareness, stress management, and appropriate medical treatment can all be part of an effective approach to managing eczema.
This National Eczema Month, give your skin the attention it deserves. If recurring eczema symptoms are affecting your comfort, sleep, or quality of life, a dermatologist can help you explore ways to get your skin back on track.
*This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your skin, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
About Us
FLDSCC’s team of providers are experts in diagnosing and treating skin cancers; skin conditions and diseases such as eczema, acne, rosacea, dry skin, rashes, and warts; and chronic skin diseases and infections, while simultaneously tackling aging skin, wound care, and a multitude of other skin, hair, and nail concerns.
Several FLDSCC providers are fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, an effective state-of-the-art treatment for most types of skin cancers. Mohs surgery involves minimal discomfort and encourages the greatest preservation of healthy tissue, which means less risk of scarring and superior cosmetic results.
FLDSCC has many convenient locations throughout the state. For more information, visit www.fldscc.com, or call (855) FLD-SKIN.
