Eczema self-help guide

When it comes to eczema, sometimes it can feel like every day is a challenge.

You’re constantly being tested - be it that itchy spot behind your knee or dry patch on your arm - and forced into making constant decisions on what the best care for your skin might be.

Should you give up gluten? Wear cotton gloves to bed? Fit a water softener? Ignore the family pet? Buy a humidifier?

It’s an overload! And one that can fall into an inevitable downward spiral sparked by stress and anxiety.

So we’re here to say - we see you :) And we put together this self-help guide to hopefully answer some questions and provide you with a few straightforward tips on how to get your skin back on track.

In the article below, you’ll find:

1. What is eczema - short summary 2. Symptoms 3. Common triggers 4. 8 top tips for the perfect skincare routine

Right, let’s get to it!

So, what is eczema?

Defined by the National Eczema Association as “a group of conditions that causes the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or have rash-like appearance”. Yup you guessed it, it’s nasty.

A chronic condition, eczema isn’t contagious and usually ‘flares up’ in certain spots when your body has been exposed to certain external or internal irritants.

Incredibly disruptive if left unchecked, it takes a toll not just onto the body, but the emotions too.

Overall, it’s a condition not to be downplayed and is something that requires constant vigilance and attention (even more so than that needy ex-boyfriend).

Symptoms

So how does eczema show up on the body?

With 7 types in total, this will vary greatly from person to person. But overall, the following symptoms are common ones to watch out for:

1. Dry, flaky skin 2. Intense itch 3. Weeping or oozing 4. Red, inflamed patches 5. Thickened, leathery skin

Whilst clearly not an exhaustive list, if you suffer from atopic dermatitis in any form, you are guaranteed to have at least one of the above (itch being first on the list).

Common triggers

Bare with us - this can get slightly confusing.

Essentially, no one really knows what causes eczema. Of course there’s theories, like genetics or a weakened skin barrier. But one nailed down, bonafide culprit? Unfortunately not.

What we have then is a list of ‘triggers’ (probably as long as your arm) that may be responsible for causing your flare ups.

Some of the top ones you should be aware of are:

1. Diet

Food can spark an almost instantaneous allergic reaction in the body, and when it comes to eczema, it can be just as much at fault.

Think: gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol and you’ll be on the right lines.

2. Environment

Too cold and your central heating might dry out your skin. Too hot and that sweaty walk home from work could lead to itching. We’ve simplified but you get the point - the weather has dark arts control over your skin health.

3. Airborne allergens

We’re talking dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander. Basically, keep your house obsessively clean and maybe stay away from Sally (the pet cat).

4. Stress

When you have feelings of anxiety or stress your body enters ‘flight-or-fight-mode’ and a number of stress hormones, such as cortisol, are released into the bloodstream. These can in turn then lead to inflammation and trigger a flare up.

5. Specific materials

You may be allergic to certain substances, like nickel, wool or cotton, that you weren’t even aware of. Book a patch test in with your dermatologist (if you can see one) to give yourself a fighting chance of understanding what they might be.

8 top tips for the perfect eczema skincare routine

Right then, why we all came to the party.

1. Stop the itch!

BUT HOW we hear you shout from the rooftops.

Luckily, our very own calming spray is exactly what you’ve been missing! Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, our unique blend contains a mix of trusted ingredients used for 1000’s of years to fight the symptoms of eczema-prone skin.

Anti-inflammatory and deeply hydrating whilst helping to repair the skin barrier, it’s also steroid, paraben and sulphate free :)

2. Moisturise regularly

Remember when we said eczema sufferers likely have a damaged skin barrier? Well guess what, we weren’t joking. You should be slapping on a thick moisturising cream at least twice a day, especially after your morning shower and in colder months.

3. Eat a healthy diet and maintain a consistent sleep routine

You’ll hear many suggestions on what vitamins and supplements you should be taking for eczema (B and C being the usual choice), but we like to kick it a little old school. Eat a healthy diet, get 8 hours of sleep and drink plenty of water - your skin will thank you.

4. Take lukewarm showers (especially in a flare up)

Hot water can exacerbate eczema symptoms and lead to uncontrollable itching in the shower, leaving you looking like a beetroot that’s taken a bath. Now whilst we’re not suggesting a cold shower (we’re not crazy), a lukewarm one will help your skin stay relaxed.

5. Don’t use soap products

Soap can be especially irritating to the skin, especially when used in a fragranced product. Best solution? Avoid it like the plague and opt for a hypoallergenic variety instead!

6. Try a bleach bath

Thinking that sodium hypochlorite under the sink is just for washing the toilet? Oh, think again! Bleach baths have caught on in recent years amongst the eczema community for their supposed abilities to help clear symptoms. Intrigued? Take a deeper look here.

7. Manage your stress levels

Can’t say this one enough. If you want to make improvements with your skin and reduce flare ups, you have to get a hold on your stress levels and prioritise your own mental health. It’s that simple.

Give meditation and mindfulness a shot if you’re stuck on where to begin.

8. Keep a food diary

A useful tip if you feel certain food groups might be triggering your symptoms. Write down everything you eat across a one month period and try your best to pinpoint what you were eating around the time of your latest flare up.

Couple that with an elimination diet, and you’re off to the races.

Final thoughts

So there we have it - our eczema self-help guide laid out bare.

What have we missed? Jump over to our Twitter page and join the conversation!

With care,