Enhancing Wellbeing – Lifestyle Changes to Deal with Eczema

In the previous blog, we’ve seen what is eczema and its different types. Now, let’s hop on to the part where we’ll learn how to deal with and manage eczema. Let’s explore some lifestyle changes that will help with it.

HYDRATE

Drink plenty of water. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential when dealing with eczema. Don’t miss out on hydrating your body from within too. It improves your skin health.

MOISTURIZE

This is one of the key ways to manage eczema. Keep your skin well moisturized with a good, gentle, and fragrance-free moisturizer. They help lock in the moisture and form a protective barrier to shield your skin from potential irritants. Moisturizers that are labeled ‘Hypoallergenic’ should be your go-to ones. These are suitable for sensitive skin.

GENTLE SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Take utmost precaution that your skincare products are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Harsher cleansers and soaps will strip your skin of oils and make it dry. So, opt for products that are mild and have low chances of irritating your skin. This will avoid flare-ups and keep your eczema under control.

LUKEWARM BATHS

Relaxing hot water? A big No. No matter how relaxing it may sound or feel, it’ll worsen the eczema by drying out your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water for bathing. After taking a bath, pat dry your body with a clean towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing as it will irritate your skin.

IDENTIFY TRIGGERS

Now, the triggers vary from person to person. Some of the common triggers include allergens, certain foods, dust mites, pollen, harsh weather conditions, etc. Keep close attention to which factors trigger your eczema and cause flare-ups. Once, you understand what you need to stay away from, take precautionary measures to avoid them.

WEAR SOFT FABRICS

Don’t be too harsh on your skin by wearing clothing that has a rough material. It can scratch your skin and lead to flare-ups and skin irritation. Clothing material like cotton is soft and breathable, and will not irritate your skin. Consider wearing loose clothing as it allows your skin to breathe and will not cause friction between your clothes and your skin.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress can exacerbate eczema flare-ups. So, reduce your stress by practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, etc. Calmer the mind, happier the skin!

DON’T SCRATCH

It’s very easy to say, ‘Don’t scratch!’, but you need to avoid scratching at all costs. Scratching eczema-prone skin can make things worse for you. To think of a turnaround for it, trim your nails short so that it won’t damage your skin much in case you scratch it. Over-the-counter creams like hydrocortisone can relieve itching.

CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

Keep your living-space dust free. The home environment can play a big role in managing eczema. Dust mites can be a very common trigger for eczema. So, clean your space to avoid any allergic reactions that can trigger eczema.

CONSULT A DERMATOLOGIST

It’s recommended that you visit a dermatologist the moment you notice any signs of eczema. A professional can give you a personalized treatment that can soothe your symptoms. This will prevent the condition from worsening.

Identify which routines and lifestyle changes work for you and be consistent with them. This will surely help you cope better with eczema!