How To Treat Baby Eczema
Though there is no cure for eczema, there are some steps you can take to help manage the condition.
It is important to remember that even after the redness and itchiness has gone away, inflammation still remains under the skin. That means you shouldnt stop treatment until the skin feels totally smooth, not just when redness subsides. Usually, this can range anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on the area of the body and thickness of the eczema.
Relaxation Techniques For Treating Eczema
There are many different relaxation techniques that can be used to help eczema sufferers. One of the most popular and effective methods is progressive muscle relaxation. This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, starting with the toes and working up to the head. This helps to reduce stress and tension in the muscles, which can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Another relaxation technique that can be used to help eczema is deep breathing. This helps to calm the nervous system and can also help to reduce stress levels.
Both of these relaxation techniques can be used together or on their own to help eczema sufferers. They can be done anywhere, at any time, and do not require any special equipment.
Tips To Prevent Flares Of Eczema
What can you do to prevent flares of eczema during the summer months? Here are some useful tips:
Do you suffer from eczema during the hot summer months? Or, this is your time of reprieve and solace? Let us know. Also, if you have any other good tips on how to prevent eczema flares, please share them as well.
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What Causes Eczema To Flare Up
6 mins
Radhika Bhatia
Do you wonder what causes eczema to flare up sometimes? Well, it is even hard to narrow down the root cause of this skin disease. However, there are many possible triggers that can lead to a flare-up.
This skin disease is often accompanied by persistent itchiness, redness, inflammation, and dryness. In most cases, this frustrating skin condition can be treated with the help of over-the-counter ointments.
For treating severe cases of eczema, however, it is important to limit the exposure to the potential triggers. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about these triggers.
What Causes Eczema In Toddlers
Before you panic that your child will have lifelong bouts of itchy rashes, its important to remember that some kids are just prone to eczema because of their unique skin makeup. And even thats not always fixed or permanent.
Theres no way to predict what will happen in the future, but lots of kids outgrow their eczema when they reach their preschool years.
Your child is more likely to have eczema if they also have:
- a family history of eczema
Food allergies dont cause eczema, but they are related.
According to a , other conditions that may be related to eczema may include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.
For the most part, though, environmental triggers are the biggest cause of eczema flares. Common triggers include:
- excessive heat or sweating
Although eczema is bothersome and often hard to treat, you can take some steps to get your toddlers eczema under control.
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Action Step : Try Different Foods
People with eczema have a higher risk for food allergies and food sensitivities that may trigger eczema flares. In a survey of 169 people with eczema, those who eliminated flour products, gluten, and nightshades reported some improvement in eczema symptoms. Symptoms also improved when vegetables, organic food, and fish oil were added to the diet.
You can take action to eliminate foods from your diet that may trigger eczema, but do so carefully. Try keeping a food diary to see if flare-ups occur after eating any particular foods. Dont make any big changes to your diet without medical advice, and talk to your doctor if you notice a pattern of flare-ups with certain foods. You may want to ask your doctor for a referral to an allergist.
With conditions that cause chronic inflammation, such as eczema, you may benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet that avoids saturated fats, highly processed foods, refined sugars, and refined flours. An anti-inflammatory diet includes:
- Foods high in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
- Spices, like basil, oregano, ginger, and turmeric
- Healthy fats, like extra-virgin olive oil, avocado, almonds, and anchovies
I have found my triggers, and I can now manage them very well, wrote a MyEczemaTeam member. I find drinking lots of water every day really helps. For me, sugar is a big trigger. Another member wrote, Im back to being 100 percent gluten- and dairy-free. I currently have no flare-ups.
Can Food Allergies Cause Eczema
Many children with eczema will also have food allergies, but the foods themselves will not cause eczema. In fact, its often the other way around. Children with eczema are 600% more likely to develop a food allergy.
This is known as the atopic march, which describes a pattern where eczema generally appears first, followed by a food allergy, then seasonal allergies and asthma. When your child has eczema, allergens and irritants entering through the skin triggers an immune response in the form of inflammation. This hypersensitivity of the immune system can cause an exaggerated response later on when food allergens are eaten or inhaled.
Though food allergies dont cause eczema, they can trigger a worsening of existing eczema symptoms. These eczema flares can differ by the type of food eaten as well as the childs immune system response.
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How Common Is Eczema
Eczema affects up to 15 million Americans. Infants are prone to eczema and 10% to 20% will have it. However, nearly half outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.
Eczema affects males and females equally and is more common in people who have a personal or family history of asthma, environmental allergies and/or food allergies.
What Triggers Eczema Flare Ups
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Certain Household or Beauty Products
Harsh chemicals in your cleaning or toiletry items may be contributing to your eczema. Avoid products that contain perfume or dyes to keep itchy skin at bay. Cover up when using strong cleaning products, and look for lotions and body washes that are specifically for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Often baby products are the gentlest.
You may be tempted to warm up by jumping under a hot shower, but know that this may encourage an eczema flare-up. Instead, try using lukewarm or cool water to bathe. Also, if you have hard water , it may be worsening your skin issues. Invest in a water softener, or use products specifically for hard water to combat your symptoms.
Certain types of clothing may trigger eczema flare-ups. Instead of irritating material like wool, or fabrics that contribute to sweat like polyester, choose light cotton options.
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Emotional Stress
Have you ever noticed that your flare-ups coincide with particularly stressful phases of life? Studies have shown that stress contributes to inflammation in the body, and therefore is behind some eczema breakouts. If youve been dealing with a heavy load of stress, try different yoga or meditation for relaxation, seek out professional help, or prioritize calming activities throughout your day.
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Allergies and Food Sensitivities
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Bacteria and Infections
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What Can I Expect If Ive Been Diagnosed With Eczema
Nearly half of children with eczema will outgrow the condition or experience great improvement by the time they reach puberty. Others will continue to have some form of the disease. For adults with eczema, the disease can be generally well-managed with good skin care and treatment, although flare-ups of symptoms can occur throughout life.
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Rough Or Scaly Patches
If you have eczema, you’re probably used to your skin feeling dry and irritated. But, during a flare-up, these sensations can become more pronounced.
You might notice that your skin feels especially rough or scaly in places. In addition, these areas are typically discolored, taking on a red or brown hue.
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Common Eczema Flare Up Triggers
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a disease characterized by inflammation. In fact, the -itis in dermatitis refers to inflammation. Symptoms of an eczema flare-up include inflamed reddish-brown or gray patches, serious itching, dry skin, and small raised bumps. These symptoms may vary according to the specific causes of the flare-up.
Find The Right Treatment For Your Eczema
Everyones case is unique, so I always recommend that people consult with a dermatologist to help figure out which methods may work best for your eczema.
Temple dermatologists are committed to helping you relieve symptoms. To find the right treatment for your eczema, call 800-TEMPLE-MED or request an appointment today.
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Using Relaxation To Manage Eczema Stress
When it comes to relaxation and self-care, what works for one person might not work for another. Thankfully there are many options to explore. Practice deep breathing while listening to soothing music or nature sounds. Download a guided meditation app. Enroll in a yoga or tai chi class. Allot a certain amount of time each day to reading a book or cuddling with your pet. Make it a daily habit to stroll along a nature trail. Distract your mind from negative thinking with creative activities to do with your hands, such as writing, painting, knitting, baking or playing video games or chess.
Learn more about using meditation to ease eczemas itch.
Incytecares: Were Here For You
Start your journey with IncyteCARES for OPZELURA, a patient support program designed to help you understand your insurance coverage and determine eligibility for financial assistance.
To learn more about IncyteCARES and how you can enroll in the program, visit the IncyteCARES site or call , Monday through Friday, 8 AM-8 PM ET.
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Moisturizers Most Effective In Treating Flare
Moisturizing your skin is essential for combating the symptoms of eczema. However, all moisturizers are not created equally. If you want to get your eczema under control, it is important to keep the skin hydrated with the help of the right creams, lotions, and ointments.
Here are some ingredients to look for when choosing the moisturizers:
The Importance Of Eczema Symptom Prevention
In addition to treating eczema, preventing flare-ups is crucial. Prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic include:
- Choose mild cleansers and creams without dyes or fragrances.
- Manage your stress and anxiety.
- Shower in warm not hot water.
- Use a moisturizer all over your skin twice daily, especially after showering.
- Wear gloves to wash dishes.
- Wear soft gloves at night to avoid scratching.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
And, yes, identifying and avoiding your personal eczema trigger, or triggers, is an important part of your overall eczema treatment plan.
Here, discover which triggers may lead to an eczema flare-up, so you can better understand if one may be your personal trigger.
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Why Is Eczema Worse At Night For Some People
If youve ever felt like your eczema is extra itchy right as youre about to fall asleep, youre not imagining it. Cortisol, a hormone that has an anti-inflammatory effect and is naturally highest in the morning, tends to drop off in the evening, which may make you feel itchier, Dr. Kassouf says. And if you tend to sweat at night, that can make you itch even more.
Is It Eczema Or Psoriasis
Ever wonder about the differences between eczema and psoriasis? Or have you tried to explain the two conditions to someone and found yourself getting confused? Youre not alone. Even the most skin-savvy of us can sometimes get these common disorders mixed up. So, with Psoriasis Awareness Month here in the month of September, weve outlined some key details to clarify things and hopefully help more people get the accurate diagnosis and treatment they need.
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What Are The Most Common Eczema Triggers
First, a note on the difference between a trigger and a cause: A trigger is what starts up an eczema flare, while the cause is the underlying reason in your body that you have the condition in the first place. Its kind of like how an engine is what moves your car, but turning your key is what starts the engine. The engine was there all along, but it needs a signal to get started. You may hear people use the terms interchangeably, but there is a difference.
Here are some of the common triggers for eczema flare-ups:
The ingredients in certain products can easily trigger a flare-up. Think a harsh cleanser or soap, shampoo, body wash, or lotion. Some of these heavily fragranced lotions that smell amazing can actually irritate a patients skin if they have atopic dermatitis, Dr. Sadeghian says. If you have eczema, use gentle, fragrance-free products for all of your skin-care needs, which unfortunately means avoiding that cool-looking soap with unknown ingredients at the farmers market.
Harsh cleaning products can also trigger a flare-up. The National Eczema Society recommends replacing regular cleaning products with gentler options like white vinegar and baking soda . When it comes to detergents, make sure theyre free of dyes and preservatives. When youre done cleaning, gently cleanse and moisturize your hands to avoid a flare-up.
Keep An Eye On Temperature
Low humidity can extract moisture from your skin and aggravate eczema flares. At the same time, air that is too moist can irritate your sensitive skin as well. Using a combination humidifier and dehumidifier to prevent the air from being too dry or too moist can soothe eczema flares and bring you some relief.
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What Causes An Eczema Flare
Triggers arenât the same for everyone, and there may be a lag between the trigger and the symptoms. Sweat, fabrics , pet dander, hot or cold weather, and harsh soaps are common triggers. Others include:
- Dry skin. It could get scaly, tight, and easy to crack, which can lead to a flare-up.
- Stress. For some people, emotional stress can trigger eczema symptoms. Doctors donât know exactly why this is, but there are ways to help lessen the stress in your life, from mind-body and meditation techniques, to lifestyle changes, to therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy. Talk to your health care provider about how to reduce stress if itâs a trigger for your eczema.
- Irritants. These could include household items like hand and dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, body wash, or home cleaners and disinfectants. Juice from fruit, vegetables, and even meats can act as triggers in some people. Other common irritants include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Antibacterial ointment like neomycin and bacitracin
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
- Paraphenylene-diamine
- Isothiazolinone (antibacterial in baby wipes and other personal products