People with eczema know the symptoms all too well. It’s characterized by dry patches of skin with rash, commonly found in the folds of the body, i.e. crook of the elbow, nape, and behind the skin, even between the fingers and toes. Eczema is often triggered by environmental allergens like dust, heat, and humidity, as well as strong chemicals commonly found in household cleaning and sanitation detergents and soaps. Although most eczema cases are diagnosed in children, there are cases when teens or adults are diagnosed as well. This can be traced back from three things: a history of asthma in the family, a history of allergic rhinitis, and if either or both parents were diagnosed with eczema.
But first, what is eczema? Medically known as “atopic dermatitis”, eczema is a chronic condition – which means that it can flare up once in a while. Eczema can take the form of many symptoms, which include dry skin, itching, red to brownish-gray patches, small bumps that can crust and leak fluid when scratched, scaly skin, and raw skin especially after scratching.1
Although there is still no cure to this day, there are ways to help manage eczema everyday. Thus, if you and your kids are both prone to eczema, here are 5 ways to enjoy healthy skin despite eczema:
- Moisturize your Skin
Moisturizing helps protect your skin from eczema2, most especially the outer layer. People with eczema have weak or damaged skin making them more prone to irritants and allergens, which can cause flare-ups. Avoid that by moisturizing regularly with moisturizers that are easily absorbed by the skin. This not only helps lock in moisture, but it also protects your skin barrier3.
Not all lotions, ointments, and moisturizers are created the same way. According to the National Eczema Association, “The more oil in a moisturizer, the better it usually is at treating eczema. The best moisturizers to use are the ones that feel too slippery (ointments and creams), because they contain more oil. These are very effective at keeping moisture in and irritants out.”4
In addition, you need to make sure that you use products that are mild and tailor-fit for sensitive skin. Unscented lotions or fragrance-free and dye-free options are recommended.
- Use Mild Soaps
Having extra dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin means that you can get an adverse reaction to certain products. And with eczema being ever-so unpredictable, anything goes. Thus, it’s important to find a soap that can clean your skin without irritating it.
Using mild soaps and cleansers can help minimize irritation. This includes soaps without harsh cleaners, dyes or strong perfumes5. You can also get a pH-balanced soap so that your skin’s pH levels are stable. Avoid alkaline soaps and those with abrasive ingredients like pumice or petroleum distillates6. Remember that your skin is sensitive and anything harsh can trigger flare-ups. Thus, unscented soaps with moisturizing properties are recommended.
- Do NOT Scratch
When faced with an itchy spot, it can be so, so satisfying to scratch it. Anything to make the itch stop. But as tempting as it sounds, don’t. Scratching further irritates the skin. It can also break the top layer or the epidermis, which can lead to bleeding if your child scratches the area enough. Worse, open wounds make the child prone to infections which may require additional treatment. Even as the skin heals, it is left damaged and scarred.
The remedy? Resist the urge. Instead of scratching, lightly patting it also works as temporary relief. But even better, apply anti-itch topical cream on the itchy spot7.
- Avoid Eating Food that cause Allergies
Food allergies can sometimes cause skin allergies, and while there are no studies that it leads to eczema, some people find that it worsens symptoms8. But since it can be hard to pinpoint what triggers these skin flare-ups, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
It is important to determine these allergies (both food and environmental factors) accurately by visiting your doctor and having a skin patch test. That way, you know clearly what to avoid, and can thus, create a diet that’s tailor-fit to your needs.
- Apply Creams, whether it’s anti-itch or a first aid cream
Eczema usually affects the softer folds of your skin. This includes the back of your knees, the junction above your elbow, or even parts of your face. When that happens, there are 3 steps in addressing eczema. First, apply topical steroids for active flare-up. You can use a steroid cream as prescribed by your doctor for that.
Next, make sure to use a non-steroid itch relief cream to relieve the itchiness experienced. Remember, you don’t want to be scratching, lest you cause any scars or further infections. An anti-itch lotion or ointment will do wonders in reducing inflammation9. And finally, make sure to use moisturizer in between.
But most importantly, discipline is key. All throughout these flare-ups, you need to make sure to keep applying the medicines and creams until the rash is gone for these to truly be effective.
Conclusion: For unpredictable flare-ups and eczema, Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream and Bepanthen SensiDaily Moisturizer are handy to have. Hand in hand, this specially formulated cream and moisturizer duo helps calm itchy skin and care for extra dry eczema-prone skin.
Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream is a skin-friendly, steroid-free cream that can help manage eczema. Best of all, it does not contain any perfumes and ingredients that can cause skin irritation. Made with lipid lamellar technology, the Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream can help strengthen the skin barrier, which protects your skin from irritation. In addition, the cream contains glycerin that helps keep skin moist by binding water into it. This goes hand-in-hand with provitamin B5, as these conditions help skin naturally regenerate more easily. (Source: https://bayer.co.th/en/the-new-product-under-bepanthen)
On the other hand, Bepanthen SensiDaily Moisturizer is a moisturizing cream that is specially formulated for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. Its unique Derma Defense Formula also helps strengthen the skin barrier, keeping it safe from flare-ups, with regular use. Plus, it provides long-lasting hydration versus regular creams! And even better, these two products can be used for babies, children, and adults, too! (Source: https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:m1R-zihJ5KUJ:https://www.mims.com/philippines/drug/info/bepanthen%2520sensidaily%2520moisturizer%3Ftype%3Dfull+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ph)
Always be prepared, and don’t make rash decisions for your rash (pun intended). Always have Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream and Bepanthen SensiDaily Moisturizer with you to keep flare-ups at bay with regular use.
For more information, visit our website at www.bepanthen.com.ph or Bepanthen Philippines at Facebook or Instagram.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
References:
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
2 https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/moisturizing/
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 https://www.healthline.com/health/soap-for-eczema#what-to-look-for
6 Ibid.
7 https://nationaleczema.org/eczema
8 https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/treatment-16/eczema-diet#:~:text=Food%20Allergies%20and%20Eczema,they're%20not%20the%20same.
9 https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema_home_treatment#:~:text=Apply%20a%20nonprescription%20steroid%20cream,be%20taken%20for%20the%20itching
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ASC Reference Code: B128P021721BS