Eczema Dos and Don’ts

Living with eczema means living with painful, itchy skin that becomes red, inflamed, and flaky. It’s a nightmare for some people. Treatments can vary dramatically in ingredients and effectiveness, so let’s run through some eczema dos and don’ts to help you out.

Eczema Flare Chart

Start by making a chart in a notepad, phone, tablet, or wherever is handy. Whenever your eczema gets worse, write down the time it’s occurring, how bad it is, and what you were doing when it flared up. This will help you and your dermatologist to determine triggers that you may be able to control.

The Don’ts

Of the eczema dos and don’ts, let’s list some don’ts first. You really want to avoid making it worse.

• Don’t use soap everyday because it can dry out your skin. Use a mild, pH balanced wash specifically tailored for eczema.
• Don’t scratch. Trim your nails if you can’t resist.
• Don’t rub your skin dry. Pat it down instead.
• Don’t wear artificial fabrics. Natural only.
• Don’t use petroleum jelly in place of a moisturizer because it is NOT a moisturizer.
• Don’t bask in the sun.
• Don’t use makeup. If you do, use natural products with moisturizing properties.
• Don’t use perfumes. You might try some essential oils instead.

There are more things to consider, of course, so it’s a good idea to consult your dermatologist and pay keen attention to your personal triggers.

The Do List

You need ways to help your outbreaks be less severe, irritating and painful. When eczema strikes, the pain and/or itching can be all-consuming, so do what you can to protect your skin.

• Use only lukewarm water in the shower or bath.
• Apply a pH-balanced moisturizer to your skin immediately after bathing.
• Wash your clothing in mild detergent and rinse at least twice to remove all remnants.
• Use mild, natural skin care products with no perfume added.
• Use perfume-free, dye-free shampoo that is mild, natural and made specifically for eczema.
• When trying a new product, test it on a very small area.

pH Balances for You

Eczema is a disease of balances, so always consider the pH balance of any product you use. Skin has a natural pH balance of 5.5 and that is what your moisturizer, cream, shampoo and conditioner should be.

It’s All About the Ingredients

When you choose a skin cream for moisturizing, repairing and soothing your eczema… no added scents, no dyes, no harsh preservatives. Avoid a cream that uses water as a base. That water is just filler. Look for one with a base of aloe vera.

Also look for:

• Manuka honey: Anti-bacterial in nature, packed with vitamins, and a natural skin healer.
• Blue-green algae: A true wonder-substance.
• Shea butter: Skin protectant and healer.
• Cehami: This flower extract has extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coconut oil: Penetrates the skin to fully moisturize it as it strengthens from within.
• Hemp seed oil: Provides fatty acids to aid blood flow to affected areas and decrease skin redness.

Products that have the right pH balance and these natural ingredients will be a fantastic help to you and your eczema.

That’s your eczema dos and don’ts, except for one more do… always consult a dermatologist if problems persist.

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