September is Eczema Awareness Month – and if you’ve any experience with the condition you’ll know just how debilitating it can be.
Eczema causes the skin to become itchy and bumpy while weakening its barrier. It is incredibly common and affects 1 in 10 adults in Ireland.
Gemma Jones, medical representative for skincare brand BIODERMA, has put together some ways that you can look after your skin if you’ve got eczema, and how best to prevent flare ups.
This is them.
Say no to soaps
With eczema prone skin, it’s paramount that you avoid soaps or heavily fragranced products that can irritate the skin.
Make sure that you’re only using products that are gentle, provide hydration, and are specially formulated for sensitive skin.
Lock in that moisture
Moisture is so, so important when you’re got dry or atopic skin. Gemma says: “One simple way to lock in moisture and prevent dryness is to apply moisturiser straight after a lukewarm shower or bath.
“Remember: avoid hot showers as these can exacerbate or worsen symptoms of eczema.”
Resist the urge to scratch
This may be a hard one, but do your best not to scratch when experiencing a flare up. This can not only make things worse, but can even lead to infection.
Gemma suggests applying a cold water compress to the affected area, as “this has an immediate cooling effect and may help reduce the desire to scratch.”
Don’t forget your eyelids!
A lot of people presume that eczema primarily affects skin on the arms, leg, and torso, but it can also be super prominent around the eyelids.
“For those with dry, eczema-prone skin, it can be extra vulnerable to irritation,” says Gemma. “For that reason, it’s important to not neglect the skin around your eyelids and use products specifically tailored to this part of the body.”
It’s important to use a product that will reduce redness and dryness around the eyelids. Pop a moisturiser on under your makeup and you’re sorted!
Prevention is the best treatment
Although you can’t cure eczema, you can manage the condition and try to prevent flare ups from happening.
Make sure that you’re using a moisturiser all over your body every day, and soothe your skin before things get worse.
Minimise the urge to scratch and strengthen the skin’s barrier with your favourite moisturiser for sensitive skin.
Look after yourself, and you won’t know yourself!