Making a Lifestyle Change

Don't Scratch

It's the most painfully obvious tip, and probably one of the hardest to put into practice, but it needs to be said, nevertheless.

Unfortunately, people with eczema are sensitive when it comes to itching. But by scratching, this creates an "itch-scratch cycle" where after the skin itches and you scratch, your skin ends up becoming even itchier. If there's no break in the skin just yet, it's better to try moisturizing your skin and to keep yourself constantly hydrated.

Cut Those Nails

It's much easier to cut through skin and cause it to bleed while scratching with long nails. In order to minimize the effects of scratching on the skin, it might be practical to keep your nails short.

Take Quicker Baths

Because eczema entails a compromised skin barrier, it means several things when it comes to taking a bath: you need to keep your skin clean in order to protect it from dirt, but you can't shower for too long or use strong products on your sensitive skin.

When taking a bath, make sure to use mild products, time yourself for up to 10 minutes max, and make sure to use towels that won't scrape your skin.

Choose Comfort Over Style

Eczema-prone skin favors certain fabrics over others - and certain kinds of fits, too! This means loose over skin-tight, this could also mean the likes of cotton over synthetic fibers like spandex or polyester. Anything scratchy might need to be rehomed out of your or your child’s closet.

There is a wide range of stylish, comfortable, eczema-friendly outfits. It doesn't mean that you have to dress "out of style" if you have this skin condition; you just have to choose outfits much more deliberately.

Know Your Triggers

They could range from pet dander to certain food allergies. You can consult with an allergologist to determine what your or your child's exact allergies are, though, in all likelihood, you've probably already figured out what they are as time has gone by.

Still, it's important to determine what these triggers are as there seems to be a connection between allergic conditions and eczema. Knowing what they are could help you figure out what to avoid or limit.

Recognize the Effects of Stress and the Importance of Sleep

Did you know that "stress has been shown to have a scientific link, through a variety of mechanisms, to impact our immune system and skin barrier, which may contribute as an exacerbating factor to eczema?" With stress comes a release of cortisol, which could affect one's immune system and cause inflammation. This could contribute to eczema flare-ups.

Sleep also plays a big role in one's stress levels. Therefore, in order to minimize eczema flare-ups, it's best to get a good sleep routine down pat and to figure out how to minimize stress in your day-to-day life.

Exercise Smartly

Anyone and everyone is highly encouraged to workout - yes, even if you have eczema! There are ways to work around this skin condition while exercising. First, choose loose clothing as tight ones can cause friction in the skin or trap in sweat. Second, have a towel nearby to dab sweat that may gather on your skin. Third, figure out which kinds of workouts could possibly lead to flare-ups; doing more cardio workouts could make your skin more sensitive to the pooling of sweat, as an example. Last, don't forget to hydrate!

Have a Skincare Routine

Mometasone furoate (Elica®) products can help stop itching, reduce redness, ease swelling, and provide relief within 24 hours. Mometasone furoate (Elica®) cream is applied on thin skin (e.g. your face) and moist lesions, while Mometasone furoate (Elica®) ointment is applied on dry lesions and thickened skin.

Now that you're more informed, you're more than ready to make these lifestyle changes, either for yourself or for your child. Just a few considerations and tweaks, and you can still live your best life!

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.