Many people with eczema struggle to find ways to manage their symptoms. What may work for one person may not be the best for another, so it's important to try various options which target different aspects of the condition.
Here, you'll find a list of 10 lifestyle changes that can help manage eczema:
1. Avoid irritants and allergens
Irritants and allergens can increase eczema flare-ups, so it's best to avoid them when possible. Common irritants include wool or other fibers, detergents, soaps, temperature changes, and harsh winds. Allergens that may aggravate eczema include poison ivy or plants like ragweed and oak. Anyone with a food allergy should avoid that food as well.
2. Keep skin moisturized
Moisturize at least three times a day to keep the skin from drying out. This will help prevent dry, itchy skin and any cracking or flaking. Make sure to use enough moisturizer to cover all of the itchy areas, especially if they are thick or cracked. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E may do a better job of penetrating the skin and providing lasting relief than products with petroleum and mineral oils. Apply moisturizers in the morning after getting dressed and before bed at night.
3. Avoid scratching
Many people with eczema tell us that they scratch their skin until it bleeds. Don't do this. Scratching can lead to painful and unsightly cracks in the skin, further aggravating the problem and delaying your healing time. This is especially important for countertop eczema, where scratching can lead to discoloration and permanent scarring.
4. Avoid heat treatments
It's best to avoid a hot shower and sauna during flare-ups as they may cause watery, itchy skin and increased inflammation. Instead, take a cool shower or bath. Additionally, if you must get a hot tub, use one that has gentle jets rather than just the scalding water of an ordinary tub.
5. Manage stress
Stress can cause serious, negative health effects and is one of the main causes of eczema flare-ups. Stress can also exacerbate existing eczema by causing severe itching and scratching, which leads to skin damage. So relax and reduce the amount of stress in your life. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and guided imagery are great ways to reduce stress and ease symptoms.
6. Avoid alcohol
The skin is the largest organ of our body and serves as a barrier to harmful substances. Alcohol can damage the skin and increase the risk of developing eczema. So if you're going to drink, then do so in moderation.
7. Avoid sugar
Sugar causes inflammation and irritation in the skin, worsening eczema symptoms. The more sugar you consume every day, the more your eczema will flare up and worsen for longer periods. This is why many people with eczema see a tremendous improvement in symptoms when they avoid sugar completely.
8. Avoid food sensitivities
Food allergies are caused by an immune system overreacting to food, resulting in skin inflammation, causing itching and redness that can lead to hair loss and skin cracks. If you suspect you have a food allergy, try avoiding the suspect food for about two weeks and see if this helps. Food sensitivities often have a delayed reaction, so this test may help you identify culprit foods.
9. Improve your overall health
Your immune system is responsible for keeping your skin healthy and free of eczema flare-ups. If you have a weak immune system, allergies and eczema are much more likely to occur. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. It's also important to manage stress and maintain a positive attitude towards your life.
10. Consider supplements
Many supplements may help with eczema symptoms, but it takes some time and patience to find the right formula for you. We've found that nine out of ten people see significant improvements in their symptoms after taking our Veltheimia extract supplement for six months or longer.
Medications can also be prescribed to help control symptoms. However, they may not be the best solution since they can be harsh on the gut and cause unwanted side effects. If you have eczema, speak with your doctor about the best course of action for you.
In conclusion, there are many ways to control symptoms and manage eczema. Try to implement as many of these ten lifestyle changes as possible and see which ones work best for you. Remember that everyone's body is different, so not everything will work perfectly for you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.