Shower Vs Bath: Which Is Better For Eczema
It depends. But in general, showering may pose less of a risk for a flare-up than a bath does.
Part of the reason for that is baths tend to be longer than showers, and for people with eczema, its important to keep your time in the water short, advises the NEA.
Excessive water exposure can strip away the natural oils and sebum, Wulkan says. Sebum is a mixture of fatty substances produced by your sebaceous glands that helps prevent water loss on your skin, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Thats not to say showers cant also irritate skin. I recommend no longer than a 10-minute shower and ideally less, says Wulkan.
A too-hot shower can also pose problems for eczema. While our heads may love hot showers, our skin does not long exposures to water, particularly hot water, can strip the skin of essential oils, disrupting the outer skin layer, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Be sure to bathe with lukewarm water, which is typically 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit , notes the Baylor College of Medicine.
The dangers come in when the showers or baths are long and too hot, says Wulkan.
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General Advice On Sun Protection
The websites of Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists are sources of up-to-date information on sun protection:
The general principles recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists for sun protection are as follows:
Slip on a shirt wear sun protective clothing, hats and sunglasses Seek out the shade between 11.00am and 3:00pm. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight Slap on sunscreen. Use high protection SPF with 4-5 UVA stars. Apply 15-30 minutes before going out, and every 2 hours after that.
Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are ideal these are sometimes labelled broad spectrum sunscreens.
Sunscreen can be removed unintentionally by sweating, swimming or towel-drying. This is why regular application is recommended with all sunscreens, including those marketed as once-a-day sunscreens.
Managing Eczema In Winter And Year Round: A Parents Guide
Cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating can rob skin of its natural moisture in the winter. Red, crusty, dry patches can be common on a baby’s skin, particularly in winter, and cause concern for parents. Such symptoms can be treated, however, and many babies and children do outgrow the dry, itchy skin of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.
We spoke with pediatric dermatologist Katherine Puttgen to learn more.
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What Causes The Inflammation
So, what causes your skin to break out in red, itchy patches? Experts arenât exactly sure. But research says things like health, genetics, environment, certain products, and lifestyle may act as triggers. But eczema affects different people in different ways, so the things that cause you to have flare-ups may not bother someone else.
Immune system. When you have eczema, your body has an immune system that reacts too much. It responds easily to something thatâs either inside your body such as genes or outside of it like an allergen or irritant. This reaction damages the skin barrier — the topmost layer of your skin that defends your body from bacteria and keeps it from losing too much moisture. Without this protection, your skin is more sensitive, dry, brittle, and prone to inflammation.
Genetics. Youâre more likely to have eczema if you have:
- Family or personal history of dermatitis.
- Food allergy
Research shows that youâre also more likely to have eczema if you have a gene mutation that makes your body less able to produce enough filaggrin. This is a type of protein that helps your body build a strong skin barrier. If youâre low on filaggrin, your skin may lose a lot of water and become dry. It can also expose your skin to viruses and bacteria and make it more prone to infection.
Thereâs no cure or supplement you can take to fix your filaggrin levels, but keeping your immune system healthy can help ward off skin problems.
They can include:
Avoid Anything With Fragrance Or Labeled As Antibacterial
Also, youll want to stay away from products with fragrance or that are antibacterial, Wulkan adds. Keep in mind that unscented may still have fragrances, so ensure that any products you buy say fragrance-free and sensitive skin, says Wulkan. Beware of big health claims on the bottle, too. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s gentle on the skin, Wulkan adds.
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Care For Your Skin In The Bath Or Shower
Bathe only with a mild unscented soap, such as Dove, Basis, or Olay. Use a small amount of soap. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Soaking in the tub for a short time can be good for your skin. Doing so allows your skins outer layer to absorb water and become less dry. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a soft towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing. Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to your skin. This helps seal in the moisture.
Why Do I Have A Burning Sensation On My Skin
When such symptoms due to pharmaceuticals are seen, it is called as dermatitis medicamentosa or drug eruptions. Exposure to illicit drugs can cause the receptors and nerves to get irritated, changes in the brain chemistry, along with burning sensation of the skin. Poison, consumed intentionally or accidentally can cause burning sensation of skin.
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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.
The Hard Truth About Eczema: Its Something In The Water
Hard water damages our protective skin barrier and could contribute to the development of eczema, a new study has shown.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield and Kingâs College London have discovered that exposing the skin to hard water damages the skin barrier â which is our defence against outside threats such as bacteria or sun burn â and increases the sensitivity of the skin to potential irritants found in everyday wash products such as soap or washing powder.
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions that bind to surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate â which act as detergents or wetting agents â making them insoluble, so they precipitate onto the skin.
Skin pH is normally acidic but hard water has high alkalinity which means it can raise the skin surface pH. A shift towards alkaline pH disturbs the skinâs natural function as a physical barrier and leaves it prone to colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria which can cause infection.
Lead author of the study, Dr Simon Danby from the University of Sheffieldâs Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, said: âBy damaging the skin barrier, washing with hard water may contribute to the development of eczema â a chronic skin condition characterised by an intensely itchy red rash.
This week marks National Eczema Week.
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What Kinds Of Moisturizers Are Most Effective For My Eczema
Not all moisturizers are created equal. In fact, there are many types of common moisturizers that arent good at helping control your eczema and may even make it flare or get worse. Its important to understand the differences between the three basic types of moisturizers ointments, creams, and lotions so that you can properly hydrate your skin and help keep your symptoms under control.
Moisturizers are classified based on the amount of oil and water they contain. The more oil in a moisturizer, the better it usually is at treating eczema. The best moisturizers to use are the ones that feel greasy , because they contain more oil. These are very effective at keeping moisture in and irritants out.
All moisturizers should also be applied to your hands immediately after washing and gently blotting them dry. For this reason, its a good idea to keep moisturizer near every sink in your home and carry a small tube with you at all times, so that you can reapply it throughout the day.
Side Effects Of Eucrisa
While using Eucrisa I only experienced 1 side effect a slight burning sensation. Most of the skin on my hands if pretty tough, so Im curious if the burning sensation would be more intense if Eucrisa was applied to more sensitive areas like the face.
After 10 days of use, I experienced no bounce back effect. This was nice compared to when Ive used cortisone cream my skin it often becomes worse when I stop using it.
I also felt reassured by my allergist regarding the lack of harmful side-effects.
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Eczema Coping Tips Good Hygiene
Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus may cause a secondary infection of impetigo, and possibly contribute to the symptoms of eczema.Suggestions for washing include:
- Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers.
- Dont use ordinary soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
- Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing.
- When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Eczema
- How can you tell that I have eczema?
- If I dont have eczema, what other skin condition might I have?
- Is there a specific brand of moisturizer that you recommend?
- Is there a prescription cream that you can prescribe?
- How often should I see a dermatologist regarding my eczema?
- What soaps, lotions, makeup, etc. should I avoid?
- What medications do you recommend?
- What at-home treatments do you recommend?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Eczema is very normal, very common, and very, very uncomfortable. It can affect your quality of life. At its worse it can keep you from sleeping, distract you and make you feel self-conscious in public. See your dermatologist or other healthcare provider as soon as you start to see signs of it. Explore at-home remedies and prescribed treatments.
Youre not alone! 15% to 20% of people experience eczema or another type of dermatitis at some point in their lives.
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Tips For Choosing The Right Cream For You
We know that finding that right moisturizer can be a difficult task especially because what works for a friend or family member might not work for you. We truly hope you can find something that can soothe your or your childs eczema.
If youre considering introducing a new product to your skin, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Remember, less is more. Look for products with natural ingredients with names you can actually pronounce.
- Avoid products oozing with fragrances or dyes. Scent-free and dye-free moisturizers are the safest and least irritating.
- Oil-heavy moisturizers are better at treating eczema as they are more effective at keeping moisture in and irritants out.
Do you have a favourite cream for treating eczema that you swear by? Share in the comments!
References:
Triggers Of Eczema Flare
- Soaps. Never use bubble bath. It can cause a major flare-up.
- Pollens. Keep your child from lying on the grass during grass pollen season.
- Animals. Avoid any animals that make the rash worse.
- Foods. If certain foods cause severe itching , avoid them.
- Wool. Avoid wool fibers and clothes made of other scratchy, rough materials.
- Dry Air. Use a humidifier if the air in your home is dry.
- Herpes Virus Infection . Keep your child away from anyone with fever blisters . The herpes virus can cause a serious skin infection in children with eczema.
- Eczema is not caused by laundry soap you use to wash clothing.
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When Corticosteroids Arent Enough
Dr. Paller acknowledges that corticosteroids arent good options for everyone. Sometimes we have patients who cant just intermittently apply steroids, clear their skin up, and use moisturizers. They are more chronic, she says.
Jennifer Merrill, a resident of western Maine, is among those for whom eczema remains a frustrating puzzle. Shes had eczema since childhood. The 40-year-old managed to reduce eczema on her scalp by washing her hair less frequently and abstaining from hairspray only to find that eczema moved to the skin around her lips, eyes, wrist, and stomach. A dermatologist prescribed a number of different creams, including topical corticosteroids.
The steroids started to work in the beginning, but quickly things went from bad to worse, she recalls.
A different dermatologist put Merrill on antibiotics and nonsteroidal prescription medication, Elidel .
Things calmed down a bit, but I would get random flares. After about six months on antibiotics I went back, at which time she did a biopsy and the results were eczema, she says. At that point, Merrills dermatologist gave her samples of a newer medication approved for use on eczema: Eucrisa .
Nummular Eczema Vs Ringworm
As they progress, nummular eczema lesions can resemble another condition caused by the ringworm fungus.
Ringworm also tends to present itchy bumps that turn into round, itchy, and scaly patches with a clear center. They may look red or pink on lighter skin, or brown and gray on darker skin. Both types of lesions will be very itchy. Ringworm lesions tend to heal from the center first.
A dermatologist is a specialist trained in knowing the difference between these two conditions, and other conditions, like psoriasis, that have similar presentations.
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What Causes Discoid Eczema
The exact cause of discoid eczema is uncertain. However, most people with discoid eczema have generally dry skin. One theory is that the dry skin upsets the normal fatty layer within the outer layer of the skin which usually helps to protect the skin. Because this protection is lost, special proteins that can cause allergy can penetrate through the skin. This can lead to an allergic or irritant response in the skin, so leading to the patches of eczema. In fact, some doctors actually consider discoid eczema as a form of adult-onset atopic dermatitis.
Sometimes certain medicines can trigger discoid eczema in some people. For example, medicines used to treat hepatitis C infection . Insect bites or injury to the skin can also trigger an outbreak of discoid eczema in some people.
Because the fatty, protective layer within the skin is lost, it is thought that some people with discoid eczema may also have an increased risk of developing contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is eczema that is caused by your skin reacting to a substance it has come into contact with. Such substances can include nickel in jewellery or belt buckles, cosmetics, preservatives in creams and ointments, additives to leather, etc. See the separate leaflet called Contact Dermatitis for more details.
Whats The Difference Between Dermatitis And Psoriasis
Psoriasis and dermatitis can appear similar. Both cause patches of red skin. However, in psoriasis, the scales are thick and the edges of those scales are well-defined.
Discuss with your healthcare provider your questions about which type of skin condition you have. You can have more than one skin condition at a time. Treatments for one may not work for the other.
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Eliminating Triggers And Irritants
In my 30s, after 20 years of topical steroids and an occasional injection, I realized my eczema was more than an inconvenient headache. I decided instead that it was an inconvenient allergy. I noticed that I would get red itchy bumps on my hands whenever I peeled shrimp or petted or washed the dog. So I decided I should try to eliminate possible irritants or triggers for my eczema.
First I got rid of all the scented creams and soaps. Anything that had a smell to it had to go, including dryer sheets, nail polish, and some cleaning products. I thought that if I could smell a product, it had to be bad for me.
Importance Of Eczema Treatment
There is growing evidence that allergens introduced into the body through the skin can lead to the later development of food allergy, asthma and hay fever. Aggressively treating eczema in children and taking steps to restore normal skin barrier function may lower the risk of future development of these conditions.
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What Is The Soak And Seal Method
The soak and seal method involves getting your skin wet via a bath or shower followed by sealing the water in with a moisturizer, explains Wulkan. Explaining this to patients allows them to understand that showering and bathing can actually hurt the skin unless you moisturize and seal in the water, he says. For the record, the NEA, too, recommends this post-bathing approach for people with eczema.
Ready to give your bathing routine an overhaul, and try the soak and seal method? Heres a guide to getting your shower time right.
One Last Thing About Bathing When Living With Eczema
Even though showering or bathing may seem complicated for someone with eczema, if you keep things consistent, it will likely become as easy as your previous showering routine.
And when in doubt, ask your dermatologist, who can give you suggestions for the best shower and bath products, as well as share advice on natural remedies to try and avoid.
Additional reporting by Kristen Stewart.
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