Eczema or Atopic dermatitis is a condition that can cause dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Although manageable with eczema treatment, it cannot be cured. This condition is characterized by flare-ups, which can compromise someone’s way of life.
Eczema flare-ups are intense periods when the patient’s symptoms worsen—these are redness, itching, inflammation, and skin dryness. These flare-ups can vary in severity and are often triggered by stress, exposure to allergens, changes in weather or contact with inflammatory substances.
If you or someone you know is affected by eczema, you can learn how to manage flare-ups and navigate life with more ease.
Understanding Flare-Ups
While experiencing eczema flare-ups, patients witness three or more symptoms, such as:
- Intense itching.
- Redness or skin discoloration.
- Dry, cracked, or scaly patches.
- Oozing or crusting in severe cases.
These flare-ups are mostly unpredictable and can cause intense swelling and skin lesions, thereby affecting your daily life and impacting your self-esteem. Eczema is mostly diagnosed in infants and children but it can also develop in adults.
What Causes Eczema in Adults?
Although one cannot put a finger on the causes, it’s generally assumed that variations in certain genes affect your skin’s ability to protect itself from irritants, making it a genetic disorder. Certain environmental substances tend to trigger an immune response that may end up in severe inflammation in and on the skin.
Triggers may include:
- Allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, etc.
- Certain foods or ingredients that can cause inflammation, such as dairy, gluten and sugar
- Infections
- Cigarette smoke Irritation from skincare products or clothing material
- Seasonal allergies
- Severely dry skin
- Stress
Eczema Treatment at Home: Preventing Flare-ups
Source: Temple Health
Developing a basic skin care routine may help prevent eczema flares. The following tips may help reduce the drying effects of bathing:
Moisturize thoroughly:
Hydrating your skin at least twice a day can help manage flare-ups. You can count on creams, shea butter and certain lotions that lock in moisture. It is advised to stick to a product that works well for you. Using petroleum jelly may also do the trick.
Take a daily bath or shower:
Use lukewarm or warm water (avoid hot water as it can cause itchy skin). Try to limit your bath to about 10 minutes. Follow the three-minute rule: apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp within three minutes of taking a bath or shower.
Use non-allergenic soaps:
A non-soap cleanser may be the best fit that’s free of dyes, alcohols and scents. Usual soaps can be especially irritating to the skin of young children. Deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps may erode the skin’s natural oils and dry the skin. It is also advised not to scrub the skin with a washcloth or loofah.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While you follow precautions to keep flare-ups from coming often, consulting an skin doctor may be helpful for:
- General symptoms of atopic dermatitis
- Feeling uncomfortable with flare-ups, such that it is affecting sleep and daily activities
- New skin infection — could be streaks, pus or yellow scabs
- Symptoms persist even after trying self-care steps
When your eczema gets debilitating enough, don’t hesitate to speak to a medical professional. You can get a personalized approach to dealing with your flare-ups and significantly prevent major symptoms from occurring.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Consult Dr. Shirin Bakshi, an skin specialist in Delhi at Dermasure Clinic who has a vast experience of helping people with Eczema Treatment in Delhi. Simply book an appointment and see how treatment makes a difference.
