How to Treat Eczema

October is National Eczema Awareness Month

About 15 million Americans struggle with eczema (aka atopic dermatitis) which accounts for a whopping $1 billion in health care costs and 10-20 % of dermatologist visits. In other words, eczema is a prevalent skin issue. While there’s no real “cure” for eczema, we do know that seeing the dermatologist can be crucial when dealing with eczema, learning how to treat eczema at home so you’re not miserable in between doctor’s visits is also key. Here, some top ways to treat eczema flares.

Be Gentle to Your Skin

Those with eczema are aware of how even one flirtation with the wrong skin care product can result in an eczema flare up. Swap out any harsh soaps or overly fragranced products for mild and gentle low-sudsing cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers.

Add Moisture to the Air

A great way to treat eczema is by adding a humidifier to your room, especially in the fall and winter time when the air inside is drier. A humidifier will help keep your skin from drying out.

Moisturize Your Skin

Dry skin is one of the results of eczema. By adding moisture back into the skin, you can help treat eczema and make it more manageable. Some helpful hints about moisturizing the skin are: Always apply moisturizer right after the shower, when the skin is still damp. Keep a hand lotion near the sink so you can apply it directly after washing your hands every time.

Modify Your Diet

Eating a the right diet can be beneficial to eczema sufferers. Typical food triggers for eczema include dairy products, nuts and seeds, wheat and soy. Keep a food diary to try and get an understanding of which foods might be behind your eczema trigger and cut down on them.

Don’t Sweat It

While exercise is generally a key component to living a healthy lifestyle, too much sweating can trigger an eczema outbreak. Rather than signing up for an intense high impact cardio workout, try a brisk walk or a gentle yoga session for your regular exercise.

If you’re suffering from eczema, it’s important to make an appointment with a dermatologist to get a full understanding of how to treat your skin condition. Some of the best eczema treatments are prescription creams that can only be obtained at the dermatologist’s office.