About eczema - part 2
Prevent eczema!
In this part we will summerize the possibilities how you can avoid eczema or if you already have eczema, how to minimize your symptoms.
If you have missed the first part with the types and symptoms of eczema you can read it here.
In the third part we will offer you ingredients, products and diy practices to relief and cure your eczema.
eczema triggers
The cause of eczema isn’t fully understood by professionals but identifying and avoiding potential triggers is one way to maintain your skin clear and healthy. Here is a list with the triggers which may cause eczema.
Detergents and scented products
Laundry detergents, scented soaps, lotions, perfumes, shower gels, and other personal care and cleaning items can irritate the skin and trigger a flare. These contain chemicals and fragrances that irritate the skin, causing dryness, itchiness, and redness. Hypoallergenic only means, that the allergene compound is under a certain percentage, which doesn't mean, that it cannot be irritative, it only means that it is tolerable for most people.
To protect your skin the best way is to look for fragrance-free laundry detergent, and scent-free body care products, and using gloves when cleaning. If your skin is very sensitive it is also recomended that you use a cotton glove under the rubber (latex, nitril) glove.
If you really like to have scents around you, another option as a fragrance can be high quality essential oils. Although some people may have allergic reaction also for essential oils, it is very rare. If possible use only bio essential oils, if you have very sensitive skin, and always dilute them in high quality carrier oils.
If you are looking for natural, scent-free or essential oil scented body care products check them out in our webshop.
Food
Certain foods may worsen your eczema. You might experience a flare-up after you consume certain foods and ingredients. Some examples are: sugar, refined carbohydrates, gluten, red meats, dairy etc.
Eating foods that you’re allergic to can also trigger an inflammatory response and make your eczema worsen.
To make it clear which food makes your symptoms worse the best way is to write a diary: write down everything you eat and drink for a few weeks and make notes of the days your eczema appears to worsen to track patterns. If you find consequence, you may also see a specialist to declare your allergy.
Additives, chemicals, colorants etc. in food can also cause worsening in the symptoms, so eat healthy and as clean food as possible.
Fabrics
The fabrics you wear sometimes can also cause an eczema flare. Materials like polyester or wool can trigger itchiness and redness.
Avoid wearing any clothes that appear to worsen your condition, or wear an extra layer under the garment to protect your skin. Always wash new clothes before wearing.
Airborne Allergens
Airborne allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold can also be eczema triggers.
To keep your home allergen-free, dust and vacuum regularly, and wash your bedding at least once a week. Maybe replacing your carpet with hardwood floors will also help.
Saliva, Urine
Eczema is common in babies and children around the cheeks and chin of a drooling baby or under the diaper. Saliva and urine do not cause eczema. Saline can dry out a baby’s skin and cause itchy, red spots. Urine if the diaper is not changed in a timely manner can also cause redness not only on the butt, but also on the tights.
Protect the sensitive baby skin carefully, nourish and keep it dry as possible, use natural baby care products.
For nurishing sensitive or baby skin check out our balms here. Our new baby brand is coming soon.
Hot and cold weather
Hot weather can irritate eczema. Heavy perspiration can lead to itchy skin.
Stay as cool as possible to limit sweating, wear cotton clothes and drink plenty of water to avoid overheating. Sitting or standing in shady areas and cooling devices can also help.
Cold weather and dry air often go together. Too much dry air can zap your skin of natural moisture. Dryness often leads to itching, which then leads to scratching and inflammation. To protect your skin, apply a skin moisturizer and use a humidifier in your home, for hands always wear gloves outside.
Exposure to water
Prolonged exposure to water is another eczema trigger. Water can cause dry skin, which can lead to persistent itching mainly if the water is very hard, hot or contains chlorine.
Apply moisturizer to your skin after bathing or swimming, and take lukewarm baths or showers for a shorter period only to prevent your skin from drying out.
For having a relaxing bath choose yours from our bath salts selection, for gentle cleaning use one of our nourishing soaps.
Stress and anxiety
Stress doesn’t cause eczema, but it can provoke the symptoms. The body releases a hormone called cortisol under stress. In large doses cortisol increases inflammation throughout the body, this happens under chronic or ongoing stress. This can lead to skin inflammation and an eczema flare.
Deep breathing, meditation, getting plenty of rest, and regular exercise are keys to coping with stress. The ability to reduce stress may keep your eczema under control.
If you have difficulty controlling anxiety or stress on your own, talk to your doctor about treatments or therapies.