Happy Saturday! For today’s post I want to discuss a skin condition called Eczema that many people deal with and can be triggered by a variety of things. If you would like more information, then keep reading for all the deets.

how to deal with having eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a rash which appears as dry, itchy patches on the skin. Typically, eczema can show up on the face, neck, backs of legs, hands, and insides of the elbow. Eczema results from a disruption of the skin barrier function and the exposure of the skin to an irritant or allergen that triggers the rash.

Everyone experiences eczema in different ways from swelling, dryness, and scaliness. Eczema is more common in people with melanated skin. Even though eczema cannot be cured, flare ups can be resolved with treatment.

Things to avoid if you have eczema:

• Fragranced products
• Long hot showers
• Rubbing skin with abrasive brushes and cloths
• Taking too many showers
• Using too many different products

Ways to deal with having eczema:

Eczema can be addressed at home: One of the tried-and-true remedies is a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal powder added to the water to soothe itchy, eczema skin. Using moisturizing coconut oil to calm dry patches can also help.

Eczema can be treated at the dermatologist’s office: The most commonly prescribed treatment is, topical corticosteroid creams or ointments, topical non-steroids, immunosuppressants medications, injectable biologics that treat inflammatory conditions by targeting the immune system response.

Eczema can be dealt with differently for the face and body: A gentler approach is needed for your face. The thickness of the skin on the face is different from that on the body and some medications might have to be modified when being used on the face. For skincare you want to replenish the skin barrier with face creams or lotions that have nourishing and strengthening ingredients.

Eczema can be affected by allergies: Eczema can have very long periods of remission especially if allergic triggers are avoided. Treating and managing other health conditions can lead to longer periods of remission.

Do you deal with any skin conditions? Let me know in the comments.

–Chantel Keona