Water Temperatures That Help And Hurt
Baby swimming classes are often held in warm temperatures, which are usually ideal for infants but not for eczema sufferers. Health experts warn that this can be drying to skin and worsen existing symptoms, while cooler water can be extremely soothing towards angry skin. Before taking your child, it is always worthwhile ringing the centre to find out the pools temperature.
Itching After A Shower Or Bath
If you feel itchy after a shower or bath, then you might be experiencing a problem with chlorine. Many city water systems use chlorine to kill bacteria that could make people sick. No one wants the kind of bacteria that can live in untreated water or a return to the summer plagues and illnesses that used to happen in cities, but itching and feeling uncomfortable after bathing is like adding insult to injury.
The Best Places In The World For Eczema
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
Here the humidity is 84% all around the year. There are a number of Eczema Support Networks and Communities that can help you deal with your skin condition.
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Besides being humid throughout the year, South Africa leads in spreading awareness through The National Eczema Association to provide suitable conditions for people suffering from eczema.
- Sydney Australia
The warm and pleasant weather in Sydney throughout the year makes it an adaptable climate for eczema sufferers. There are also support and management groups like the Eczema Association of Australia, which provide donations and facilities to treat and prevent the spread of eczema.
- Costa Rica
The Coastal Areas of Costa Rica have a reasonably moderate level of humidity and mild climate throughout the year. The hot days are accompanied by a cold sea breeze which prevents eczema flare-ups.
- Athens, Greece
With many days of sunshine and a stable level of humidity, the coastal areas of Greece also provide relief and comfortable weather for people healing from sensitive skin caused by eczema.
- Las Palmas, Spain
Not extremely hot or cold, and no sudden change in temperature, the vegetation and quality of life on an average is reasonably high in Spain, making it one of the safest places for eczema sufferers, such as you and I.
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Hot Temperature Worsens Itch
External heat increases the body temperature. To cool off, the body dilates the blood vessels in the skin, which can attract inflammatory cells to the skin at a faster rate. Furthermore, heat also promotes the itch reflex, making the severity of the itch much worse. For that same reason, to suppress and control itch, patients are often advised to apply cold packs over the affected area.
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Prevent Itching At Night
Many babies with eczema struggle to sleep due to their itchy skin and anything that can be done to change this is a huge help for parents. Recent findings discovered that for every hour of the day a child is inactive, three minutes are added on to the time it takes them to fall asleep. Swimming is a great way to get children active from a young age and although it isnt guaranteed that they will sleep well every night, using the extra energy can improve sleeping patterns.
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Take A Bath Or A Shower
Washing the pool water off of your childs skin right after swimming is a good way to keep the skin healthy. The longer chemicals sit on the skin, the more likely they are to cause rashes, irritations, and eczema flare ups.
While taking a bath or shower ought to be a simple solution, parents of children with eczema already know that nothing regarding the skin is straightforward. Sensitive skin requires a sensitive touch, even when it comes to bathing.
- Avoid a hot shower
Hot water can irritate skin, especially if it is already compromised by chemicals that need to be washed away. Start with a warm shower and gradually make it cooler, making sure to keep the temperature comfortable and not too hot.
- Try adding these soothing items
If you decide to give your child a bath instead of a shower after swimming, try adding apple cider vinegar, oatmeal, or baking soda. In addition to bleach baths, these things have been known to help soothe eczema skin when added to bath water.
Skin: Condition: Infomation Moisturisers
These should be applied several times every day to help the outer layer of your skin function better as a barrier to your environment. The drier your skin, the more frequently you should apply a moisturiser. Many different ones are available, varying in their degree of greasiness, and it is important that you choose one you like to use. The best one to use is the greasiest one you are prepared to apply. Moisturisers containing an antiseptic may be useful if repeated infections are a problem.
Aqueous cream was originally developed as a soap substitute. It is often used as a moisturiser but can irritate the skin and make your AE worse. For this reason it is recommended that aqueous cream is not used as a moisturiser.
CAUTION: This leaflet mentions emollients . When paraffin-containing emollient products get in contact with dressings, clothing, bed linen or hair, there is a danger that a naked flame or cigarette smoking could cause these to catch fire. To reduce the fire risk, patients using paraffin-containing skincare or haircare products are advised to avoid naked flames completely, including smoking cigarettes and being near people who are smoking or using naked flames. It is also advisable to wash clothing and bed linen regularly, preferably daily.
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Can Hard Water Cause Rash
Warning. People who already suffer from dermatitis and other skin irritations will be more susceptible to the negative effects of hard water because hard water makes the skin unable to absorb moisture. This dryness will have the look and feel of a skin rash especially if youre persistently scratching.
Is Chlorine Good Or Bad For Eczema
Chlorine in pool water may dry out your skin. This may worsen your eczema symptoms.
On the other hand, chlorinated water may reduce the level of bacteria on your skin. This may help treat eczema.
A 2018 review of research looked at studies on bleach baths in people with eczema. The chlorine used in pools and bleach baths is the same chemical.
The review found that diluted bleach baths improve symptoms of atopic eczema, the most common type of eczema. Diluted bleach baths appeared to reduce inflammation and itching, without damaging the skin barrier. However, more research is needed to learn how bleach baths and chlorinated pool water affect eczema symptoms.
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Heat Sweat And Eczema
Swimming and playing in a pool is a form of exercise. Even though the water may feel cool, babys body could still get hot and sweaty during a swim. And for babies with eczema, heat and sweat can cause the skin to get itchy and irritated. So, make sure that baby stays hydrated, especially before and after a swim. Keep babys skin hydrated as well .
Does Tanning Help Eczema
For some of us, when summertime comes around we strip down and head for the beach, and if we havent achieved a golden glow within a month, then we have failed at life. At least thats how it can be in Australia the skin cancer capital of the world.
With all the safety/fear campaigns targeted at sun safety and the evils of UV rays, how is it that some people swear their eczema improves and even disappears when they get themselves a wicked tan? I mean, if we are to go by the hype, shouldnt UV rays be doing us a disservice?
I do understand that for many people, the concept of tanning sets off alarm bells and conjures images of spreading melanomas on the skin and half removed noses from skin cancer surgery.
Of course these are not imaginary fears and the link between the most dangerous skin cancer melanoma, and sun exposure is very real.
The big question however still remains is there a safe sweet spot level of tanning and does tanning help eczema?
There is still debate raging among the medical community as to whether or not it is safe to have any UV exposure at all. Both sides of the argument have validity and I highly encourage you to do your research and use caution, but what I want to concentrate on here is the link between tanning and eczema.
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Diagnosing Food Allergy And Eczema Flare
- Your child’s doctor may suggest the steps listed below:
- Remove the suspected food or foods from your child’s diet for 2 weeks. The eczema should greatly improve.
- Then give your child that food when the eczema is under good control. This is called a “challenge.”
- If the food is causing flare-ups, the eczema should become itchy and red. The flare-up should occur quickly within 2 hours of eating the food.
- If this occurs, avoid giving this food to your child. Talk to your child’s doctor about the need for any food substitutes.
- If the eczema does not flare-up, your child isn’t allergic to that food.
Why Is My Contact Dermatitis Spreading
Allergic contact dermatitis frequently appears to spread over time. In fact, this represents delayed reactions to the allergens. Several factors may produce the false impression that the dermatitis is spreading or is contagious. Heavily contaminated areas may break out first, followed by areas of lesser exposure.
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The Relationship Between Chlorine And Eczema
Its important to note that eczema and other associated skin conditions are highly individual. Some people even find that a mild bleach bath can help with their eczema, although as a general rule we do not recommend this. Others might find that swimming, bathing and showering in chlorinated water has no ill effects whatsoever on their skin condition. However, in our 25 years experience of working with people with eczema, irritation from chlorine appears to be a very common problem.
Studies have demonstrated that free residual chlorine may play a role in the development or worsening of atopic dermatitis . For example, this study found that the water-holding capacity of the upper layer of the skin in patients with eczema was more sensitive to free residual chlorine than patients without eczema.
Irritant contact dermatitis can also occur when the skin comes into direct contact with chlorine. Some people are more sensitive to this chemical than others, but characteristic symptoms may include a dry, itchy rash.
Since chlorine tends to dehydrate the skin, many people find that simply removing chlorine from their bathing water can have a really beneficial effect on their symptoms.
The Benefits Of Exercise
The benefits of exercise on the body and mind from controlling weight to maintaining fitness, reducing stress, and releasing endorphins outweigh the time and care needed to prepare.
The message is clear: dont stop exercising because of eczema, but you might have to adapt what you do or compromise on the frequency and intensity.
There are clear links between eczema and stress. Exercise can be used as a tool to release stress and improve mood, which in turn benefits the skin.
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Skin: Condition: Infomation Topical Steroid Creams Or Ointments
These will usually improve the redness and itching of AE when it is active. They come in different strengths and your doctor will advise you on which type needs to be used, where and for how long. Use a fingertip unit to cover an area the size of the front and back of your hand.
Used appropriately topical steroids are very effective and safe to use. Used inappropriately , topical steroids may cause side effects, including thinning of the skin. However insufficient treatment with topical steroids is generally considered by doctors to be more of a problem than overuse.
Weaker topical steroids are usually prescribed for use on the face, breasts, genitals, eyelids and armpits. This is because the skin is much thinner in these sites. Stronger steroids can be used at other sites, especially thicker areas such as hands and feet.
It is recommended that you do not purchase natural herbal creams, as they can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Some so-called natural creams have been shown to contain potent steroids. Other herbal creams have been shown to contain high levels of harmful bacteria including MRSA which may cause skin infections and septicaemia.
Medical Treatment For Eczema
Eczema cant be cured. But it can be managed by preventing and treating flare-ups as soon as they appear.
If your childs skin is inflamed and itchy, theyll probably need some corticosteroid ointment or cream. For mild eczema, you can buy mild corticosteroids over the counter at your pharmacy. The most common is hydrocortisone 1% cream. For more serious eczema or if the over-the-counter products arent working, youll need to see your GP to get a prescription for a stronger corticosteroid.
Other eczema treatments include pimecrolimus, a non-steroidal cream. Doctors might prescribe this cream for children with mild to moderate eczema on the face and in body folds.
If your child is scratching at a rash, you could ask your pharmacist or GP about using an antihistamine medication for a few days. Together with a corticosteroid cream, this might give your child some rest and help the flare-up to settle.
If your childs eczema rash gets infected, your doctor will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics.
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Use A Protective Wetsuit
A baby wetsuit is ideal for preventing children from scratching vulnerable areas of their body. Another benefit is that it will stop any barrier cream that is applied underneath the suit from being rubbed off or absorbed by the fabric. Equally, such suits allow parents to keep a firm grip of their child in the water. A wetsuit also helps protect the skin from abrasions due to the material on swimming floats, and from being in contact with other external irritants.
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Kids Need To Play In Water
Playing in water is one of the most fun things on Earth. No kid or adult with a young heart should have to be deprived of this joy, as far as possible.
Other options
For an eczema warrior, luck is really on your side if you have access to a saltwater swimming pool, as there are definitely great benefits of swimming in saltwater, so a saltwater pool will be your safest bet.
The second best option would be the sea, if you have easy access to an unpolluted beach, then go for it!
A chlorinated swimming pool would be the last option, if there are really no other choices. But prepare yourself, and gear up for some precautions and remedies.
Precautions if you must swim in a chlorinated pool
- Apply your regular moisturiser, before putting on another layer of sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful ultraviolet rays. These should preferably be made from natural ingredients that you know you do not react to.
- Right after getting out of the pool, immediately give yourself a good shower to rinse away the chlorine, with just water, or also use your regular soap.
- Then, put on a soothing moisturising cream to ease the itch and dryness. Aloe vera gel works great in offering calming relief. Moogoo irritable skin balm is also our go-to in itchy times.
These are critical steps in taking care of your delicate skin, so do not skip them if you intend to spend a fun-filled day in the water.
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Eczema Coping Tips Avoid Changes In Temperature
Abrupt temperature and humidity changes can sometimes irritate the skin for example, going in and out of air-conditioned buildings on hot days or heated buildings on cold days.Hard physical activity or exercise that makes you sweat heavily can also trigger the itch of eczema.Suggestions include:
- In winter, dont overheat your house. Dress warmly when going outdoors and remove the extra layers as soon as you return.
- In summer, dont over cool your house. Air conditioners can dry out the air and irritate your skin.
- Avoid hard physical activity in hot weather. For example, do your gardening first thing in the morning, or in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.
Other Ways That Chlorine Can Enter Your Life
If you find yourself reacting to chlorine, then it is best to be aware of other channels through which chlorine can sneak up on you.
- bath water the tap water that you bath in is most likely chlorinated. If you react to chlorine in the swimming pool, then your skin may be just that bit unhappy from having to face the tiny amount of chlorine everyday from your shower or bath water. It does not get a break, so this can add on to the stress that your immune system is dealing with. Install a shower filter to resolve this issue.
- drinking water if you are sensitive to chlorine, your body may be in a chronically low inflamed state because of daily exposure to that small amount of chlorine in your drinking water. It is a necessary evil in order to protect public health. But your kidneys and liver may have a hard time processing it, which stresses your elimination system, and is very detrimental to your health. So at the receiving end, you could install a filter to your tap, or buy a filtering pitcher. Another option is to drink from bottled water, but that may be rather expensive.
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