Health & Life

8 Simple Lifestyle Tweaks to Ease Eczema Symptoms

Allergies can arise from a multitude of factors, and understanding these triggers is key to managing this irritating skin condition. Discover 8 simple lifestyle changes that can help alleviate allergic dermatitis and bring much-needed relief.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

With seasonal changes, especially the transition from winter to spring, the risk of allergies increases for those with eczema. Here are some small lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms and bring comfort to those suffering from allergic dermatitis.

1 Find a Suitable Exercise Routine

Many people experience discomfort due to eczema flare-ups after exercising, which is actually caused by sweat remaining on the skin.

Sweating during exercise helps maintain a cool body temperature; however, this process can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itchiness.

To address this, exercisers should aim to reduce excessive sweating and change out of sweaty clothes promptly after a workout. Prefer cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening, and opt for a well-ventilated environment.

You can also break up your workout into smaller segments and stay hydrated to keep your body comfortable, reducing sweat and skin irritation caused by elevated body temperature.

Find a Suitable Exercise Routine

2 Resist the Urge to Scratch

Scratching an itch can intensify and spread it to other areas. Therefore, it is best to refrain from scratching to prevent exacerbating the eczema.

Resist the Urge to Scratch

3 Opt for Breathable Clothing

In addition to preventing sweat from lingering on the skin, choose breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and avoid materials such as polyester and nylon, as they can make you sweat more.

Also, wear clothes that fit comfortably, not too tight, to minimize unnecessary friction between your skin and the fabric.

Opt for Breathable Clothing

4 Moisturize More Often

For those with eczema, moisturizers are essential to lock in moisture and hydrate the skin. It is advisable to apply moisturizer after washing your hands or taking a bath.

Moisturize More Often

5 Try Cold Compresses or Anti-Itch Creams

To suppress the urge to scratch, you can soothe itchy spots with anti-itch creams or apply a cold compress for 5-10 minutes to effectively reduce swelling and itching.

Try Cold Compresses or Anti-Itch Creams

6 Consult a Dietitian

To prevent eczema from worsening, identify and avoid foods that trigger flare-ups. Eliminating irritants and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can effectively prevent the condition.

Some natural anti-inflammatory foods include fruits, whole grains, and sardines.

Consult a Dietitian

7 Manage Stress Levels

Did you know that stress can trigger eczema and intensify itching? Moreover, when stressed, people tend to neglect skin care and personal hygiene, aggravating the condition.

Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a relaxed mindset and manage stress through exercise, reading, or listening to music.

Manage Stress Levels

8 Modify Body Care Habits

Pay attention to the ingredients of skincare products before purchasing and using them, ensuring they do not contain irritants such as sulfates, lanolin, propylene glycol, cocamidopropyl betaine, ethanol, or synthetic fragrances.

Opt for products with gentle, skin-friendly ingredients. Instead of spraying perfume directly onto your skin, spray it onto your clothes to prevent irritation.

Avoid bathing with very hot water, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer.

Modify Body Care Habits

These are eight simple lifestyle changes to alleviate allergic dermatitis. From moisturizing and maintaining a healthy diet to stress management, each aspect plays a crucial role in preventing the condition from worsening.

Source: PhunuVietNam Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

There are several lifestyle tweaks that can help manage eczema symptoms. Firstly, identify and avoid triggers such as allergens and irritants. Maintain a gentle skincare routine with lukewarm water and mild cleansers, and moisturize regularly with emollients. Wear breathable cotton clothing and avoid itchy fabrics. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, and ensure a healthy diet with adequate hydration.

Identifying and avoiding triggers is crucial in managing eczema. Triggers can include allergens like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, as well as irritants such as harsh chemicals or fragrances. By identifying and minimizing exposure to these triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.

A gentle skincare routine is essential for eczema-prone skin as it helps to avoid further irritation. Use lukewarm water for bathing and cleansing, as hot water can dry out the skin. Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid excessive scrubbing or exfoliating. Regularly apply emollient moisturizers to lock in hydration and protect the skin’s barrier.

Breathable cotton clothing is ideal for people with eczema as it allows the skin to breathe and prevents overheating. Avoid itchy fabrics like wool, which can irritate the skin. Opt for loose-fitting garments that don’t rub or constrict the skin, and ensure your clothing is thoroughly rinsed and free of potential irritants after washing.

Stress can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups, so effective stress management is important. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise into your daily routine. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can help reduce the frequency and intensity of eczema symptoms.

While dietary triggers can vary from person to person, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is generally recommended for managing eczema. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. Also, ensure a good intake of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins and minerals that support skin health.