If you suffer from eczema, you know that it often flares up at the worst possible times, making you miserable. A skin condition that causes itchy, red, and swollen patches of skin, eczema can affect just about any part of the body. What’s more, flare-ups can happen at any time of year and can be brought on by several different factors lurking in your everyday environment. Pollen, clothing, detergents, and cigarette smoke are just a few examples of eczema-exacerbating culprits, and even changes in the weather can contribute to flare-ups. When the weather is dry, for instance, it can make the symptoms of eczema even worse. People with sensitive skin have to be extremely cautious about products they’re using on their bodies, paying close attention to the ingredients in skincare products that can induce or worsen skin irritation. Eczema can be frustrating and embarrassing, and feeling itchy and uncomfortable all day is miserable. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to manage this condition.
- Watch what you eat. Pack your diet with nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, and foods like salmon, seeds and nuts, and whole grains, which are all high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Moisturize your skin. One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to keep it nourished and well-hydrated, and this is especially true if you have eczema. Look for natural products that are enriched with soothing ingredients like vitamin E, tea tree oil, burdock root extract, and chamomile. All of these ingredients can help relieve inflammation and irritation, as well as providing a barrier to protect your skin.
- Keep your skin clean. Our bodies spend the day sweating, producing oils, and collecting pollen, all of which can trigger a flare-up or increase irritation in an existing inflamed patch. Bathe with lukewarm water and use a body wash that gently cleans without causing further irritation, perhaps containing tea tree, neem, burdock, or bearberry extracts to help reduce inflammation.
- Go fragrance-free. Often, skincare products that are scented contain harsh chemicals that can trigger eczema. By switching to natural, fragrance-free products, you’ll be able to keep your skin healthy, smooth, and well-nourished. If you miss fragrance, try essential oils, which typically won’t aggravate your skin.
If you need help treating your eczema or finding the right products to prevent flare-ups, you can trust Arlington Dermatology to help you care for your skin. For over 40 years, our Board-Certified dermatologists have been serving patients, making the health and welfare of our patients our top priority. We offer innovative methods of treatment, using state of the art medical equipment, in our conveniently located, patient-friendly facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. For more information, contact us through our website or call 847-392-5440.