Living with anything that isn’t considered a beauty standard in today's society can be hard, especially when it’s noticeable and hard to hide. Living with eczema can be challenging for anyone. Not only is it persistent, but it’s also irritating. Though there are some disadvantages to living with eczema, it doesn't have to stop you from living. There are so many ways to control eczema without it having to control you.
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How it Starts and Where it Appears on the Body
When eczema first appears, you’ll notice itchiness and redness on certain areas of your skin. Eczema can appear anywhere on your body but it is most commonly seen on the inner part of your elbows, on your hands, neck and feet on adults and teens.
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Ways to Treat Eczema
If you reach out to a healthcare provider to discuss treatment for eczema, they’ll give many different choices on what to use depending on the severity of the condition.
For example, doctors might prescribe the shot called Dupixent if the eczema is an extreme case. Dupixent is a shot that’s given once a month to help fight eczema from within the body.
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For less severe cases, there are other products to help control your eczema.
Natural remedies such as using oats or oat products will help reduce the dryness on your skin.
Over-the-counter products like Eucerin eczema relief and other cortisone products can also provide relief.
Other ways to treat eczema flare-ups and to help prevent new ones from forming involve simple lifestyle changes:
- Use a humidifier. If you notice the air is dry in your home, look into investing in a humidifier to help combat the dry air. This will be beneficial because dry air, which has low humidity, strips out the moisture in your skin causing dryness.
- Create a skincare routine. Not only should you have a skincare routine for your face but for your body as well. Incorporating a routine that includes moisturizing products will also help control your eczema flare-ups.
- Stop using hot water. Constant use of hot water definitely causes dry skin. It’s better to use lukewarm or cool water when washing your hands and bathing.
- Pay attention to the air in different places. Noticing that there is low humidity in the air can help you prevent a flare-up.
- Consume more water. Your water intake is very important because the more water you drink, the more moisture your skin has.
- Avoid tight clothing. Tight clothing can cause friction and skin irritation which can cause dry skin. Avoiding tight clothes helps prevent flare-ups.
- Limit your stress. Stress and depression can cause physical effects on the body, such as skin irritation and itchiness which leads to eczema. Finding good coping mechanisms for stress can help with your eczema.
- Moisturize daily. Moisturizing daily will help from keeping your skin dry, which can cause flare-ups.
- Don’t scratch. If you feel that urge to scratch the itch, don't. Instead, run cool water on the area for 10 seconds then moisturize it immediately.
- Check for food allergies. Certain foods such as dairy and gluten can cause your eczema to worsen. Consult with a doctor to figure out if certain food allergies are causing bad outbreaks
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How to Not Let Eczema Get in the Way of You Living Life
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) can have a huge effect on your mental health.
Walking around with a visible rash can definitely change how you view yourself and form new or enhance old insecurities.
It’s important to always start with gratitude.
Instead of pointing out your flaws, look for things you like about your body.
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If your mental health is truly worsening because you suffer from eczema then try finding a therapist or psychiatrist to talk to.
The way you think will always reflect how you feel so it’s important to make sure your mental health is taken care of as well as attending to outbreaks but always try to remember to keep living.
With new lifestyle changes and help from medical professionals, you’re bound to control eczema without it controlling you.
