Eczema: How to Easily Prevent itchy and Infected Skin

Having eczema can be irritating and sometimes painful, but there are ways to manage it by making it less severe or even avoidable.

Continuous Moisturizing and How to Choose One

Those with eczema have a fragile skin barrier, making their skin easily irritable. Creating a daily routine of moisturizing will keep your skin from becoming dehydrated and shield it from irritants. Be careful when choosing a moisturizer, though. Some work better than others. Before you spend your hard-earned cash on products that don’t work, remember this simple rule: moisturizers with a higher oil content are more likely to prevent dry and cracked skin. According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), “The best moisturizers to use are the ones that feel greasy (ointments and creams).” When in doubt, review the NEA list of acceptable products.

Be Wary of Weather

This may be difficult to achieve, however, it is important to avoid major and rapid temperature changes. You want your skin to become gradually acclimated to the change in temperature. This will keep your skin from quickly and drastically reacting to the outdoor environment, thereby leaving your skin rough and dry.

Use Soft Soaps

Harsh soaps and detergents are good catalysts for dry and itchy skin. Think of it this way: many soaps are designed to remove impurities and strip oil from surfaces, including the skin. This sounds good when you’re cleaning greasy dishes, but it’s bad news for delicate skin. Remember to opt for soaps that have moisturizers and skin-healing aloe in them. Most importantly, don’t forget to apply your oil-based cream after each wash.

Watch What You Wear

It’s no secret that clothes can be itchy sometimes. But more than that, they can cause serious irritation to those with eczema. It’s best to avoid these itchy items, like wool or similar fabrics. Also, be careful of clothing that may be too tight or too heavy. Comfortable and breathable is key.

Watch What You Eat

Just as you must manage what you put on your body, you need to pay attention to what you put in it. Believe it or not, certain foods can cause an eczema flare-up. According to Healthline, while it may be different for some, there are few common trigger foods to watch out for. These include: cow’s milk, eggs, soy, gluten, nuts, and certain types of seafood. It’s best to try to eat these foods in moderation. Or, if you’re disciplined enough, you can cut these foods from your diet entirely to see if your eczema improves.

Make Use of Your Humidifier

By now, it should be clear that the secret to beating eczema is to keep your skin moisturized as often as possible. This includes in your sleep. Before you turn in for the night, pull out that humidifier and add some moisture to the air. Your skin will thank you in the morning.

With a bit of managing and diligence, you can prevent eczema flare-ups and possibly avoid them altogether.

Fortunately, at The Dermatology Group, you can count on our experts to provide you with the best advice, resources, and treatments available to aid in the prevention of itchy and infected skin. Connect with us today to learn more about what we do and how we do it.