Self-care of eczema

If you have atopic eczema, you probably also have dry and sensitive skin. Therefore, it is good to add moisture through a softening cream or ointment. When the skin is dry, it itches more, so to some extent emollient creams can also reduce the itching. By using moisturizing creams, you also help to protect the skin and keep the skin barrier intact.

Cold dries out the skin and heat makes you sweat, which can irritate the skin unnecessarily. If possible, try to keep an even temperature by choosing suitable clothes.

The sun can in some cases improve the eczema, but when the skin is extra sensitive, it is also easy to burn. Also remember to lubricate the skin both before and after sunbathing to avoid drying out.

Many people experience itching as the worst part of atopic eczema. Scratching can provide relief for the moment but unfortunately worsens both the eczema and the itching in the long run. Keeping your nails short is a tip to reduce damage to the skin when you can't help but scratch. Another technique to temporarily relieve itching can be to pinch the skin instead of scratching.

Anxiety and stress around atopic eczema can trigger flare-ups. In addition to alleviating the physical symptoms, you may need help dealing with your illness purely psychologically. You can get help to learn to manage the eczema and find strategies that make living with atopic eczema easier.

Before applying emollient or cortisone cream to the skin, it is good to wash the skin gently, to get rid of leftover skin and crusts. Make sure that the water is not too hot and that the shower cream does not dry out too much, feel free to use bath oil if you bathe. Do not bathe for too long and make sure to lubricate the skin immediately after the bath, when the skin is still slightly damp.

Most people with atopic eczema have a weakened skin barrier. This means that bacteria and allergens can more easily enter the skin. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the skin barrier with the help of emollients often. Here you can read more about what causes atopic eczema. Feel free to use creams that contain urea, a substance that should reduce the occurrence of flare-ups. Lubricate the skin generously twice daily, and always after showering and bathing. Always choose a gentle emollient cream without perfume. During autumn and winter, when the skin is at its driest, it can be good to switch to a heavier cream.

If, despite self-care, you still experience symptoms, there are medicines that can help you. Your dermatologist can prescribe such medications.

Although it is important to keep your skin clean, you should avoid excessive use of soap, detergent and water as it dries out the skin. Be extra careful when the climate is cold and the air dry. Feel free to talk to your healthcare provider or to pharmacist to get tips on mild and "eczema -friendly" soaps. For some, it works better to use shower oil.

Avoid irritating already irritated skin by choosing clothing made from materials that are gentle on the skin. Wool and synthetic materials often have a tendency to irritate the skin.

Sweating a lot can make eczema worse. By doing low-intensity sports, especially during flare-ups, you can avoid this.

When you go to sleep, keep the bedroom cool. Not least when you have relapses, or if your skin is particularly sensitive.

In children, eczema can be made worse by contact with citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, chocolate and kiwi. It does not necessarily mean that the child is allergic to these foods, it may be due to other mechanisms.

If you have an infection in your body, it can trigger a flare-up because the immune system is already activated. Psychological stress has also been shown to worsen the situation, as have hormonal factors, such as pregnancy and menstruation. But how you are affected is very individual.