Dyes: It is a good idea for those with eczema to avoid soaps that contain dyes, which can be allergens. Harsh soaps: Some ingredients, which may worsen eczema, include propylene glycol, salicylic acid, and formaldehyde.
Soaps and detergents remove the natural oils from the skin. This tends to make the skin dry and itchy and more sensitive to irritants. People with atopic eczema/dermatitis should avoid soap as much as possible, and bubble bath and shower gel completely, when washing.
This beauty bar gently cleanses and is fragrance free to be suitable for sensitive skin. Co-created with leading dermatologists for eczema-prone skin, this beauty bar is made with naturally derived gentle skin cleansers and is sulfate and paraben-free. Dove is the #1 dermatologist recommended bar brand.
Eczema triggers
Common triggers include: irritants – such as soaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing-up liquid and bubble bath. environmental factors or allergens – such as cold and dry weather, dampness, and more specific things such as house dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds.
Potential eczema triggers include skin irritants, foods, inhaled allergens, climate, environmental factors, hormones, and stress (NICE, 2007).
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
We chose this mild, non-alkaline bar as our top pick because it was specifically designed for dry, sensitive skin. It moisturizes and cleans your skin simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for full-body cleansing while caring for your eczema.
Developed with leading dermatologists, this unique formula helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to eczema. Suitable for use all over the body and is even gentle enough for babies' skin.
Foods to Avoid if You Have Eczema
Certain foods, including nuts, milk, and wheat, can trigger the release of inflammation-causing T cells and immunoglobulin-E. Other foods that commonly cause eczema flare ups include eggs, dairy, soy, citrus, tomatoes, gluten, and even some spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Your skin may be more prone to eczema flare-ups when it isn't clean, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Thus, the hospital recommends showering daily to get off all the day's dirt and grime.
Use non-soap fragrance-free cleansers. Examples include Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, CeraVe™ Hydrating Cleanser Bar, and Cetaphil® Gentle Cleansing Bar. Use fragrance free laundry detergents and consider adding an extra rinse cycle if you find your clothes still irritate your skin.
Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizers dry and irritate the skin and lead to cracks in the skin barrier. Frequent handwashing can even be a source of stress and anxiety, which can also lead to an eczema flare.
Free of parabens, fragrances and steroids, this gentle moisturizing lotion is dermatologist tested and accepted by the National Eczema Association to be suitable for sensitive, eczema prone skin.
What causes eczema to flare at night? During the daytime, the body produces a natural anti-inflammatory called cortisol. Unfortunately, our cortisol levels drop during the night. This can leave eczema sufferers without the natural 'protection' against itchy, heated skin.
For example, use a mild soap (such as Basis, Dove, or Neutrogena) instead of deodorant soaps or other harsh soaps. Avoid lotions that contain alcohol. They can dry the skin and make psoriasis worse. Prevent skin injury.
The symptoms vary. Dr. Davis: Atopic dermatitis tends to be red, weepy, crusty, itchy, flaky patches, like oval or circular-shaped areas on the skin. Our skin is like a brick wall. And over time as we age, or genetically if we are predisposed to sensitive skin, it can look like a wicker basket more than a brick wall.
Your genes: You're more likely to have eczema if there's a history of eczema or dermatitis in your family. You're also at a higher risk if there's a history of asthma, hay fever and/or allergies. Common allergies include pollen, pet hair or foods that trigger an allergic reaction.
Sugar can increase inflammation in the skin and can be a potential trigger for eczema for some people. Not all sugar is equal. Added simple sugars, like those in sodas and candy, are different from natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables. Limiting added simple sugars may be helpful for some people with eczema.
Anxiety and depression can be common triggers in some individuals that can cause eczema to flare up, which then creates further stress, leading to more eczema exacerbations.
Anti-inflammatory diet for eczema
Anti-inflammatory diets limit dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour and sugar, but emphasize vegetables and fish. In fact, going vegan (or keeping nearly a fully plant-based diet) is also a good route to take.