Soaps, detergents, dust, pollen, sweat, and stress are common triggers. If you’re allergic to something, the allergic reaction might also trigger an eczema flareup. Eczema flareups in infants and children are sometimes triggered by eating certain foods, particularly eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.
In the US, look for a cleanser with the NEA (National Eczema Association) Seal of Acceptance. These products have been tested and are safe for eczema-prone skin.
Used this way, the moisturizer acts as a seal to trap the moisture in your skin and help heal it. If your skin still feels dry after the moisturizer has soaked in, go ahead and apply some more! When you’re dealing with a flareup, you can never have too much moisturizer. If you’ve been prescribed a topical medication, apply it before you moisturize and allow it to completely soak into your skin.
Coconut oil has proven to be helpful for eczema and sunflower oil can reduce inflammation during a flareup. Jojoba oil and borage seed oil have also been studied and found safe for use as a moisturizer if you have eczema. Not all natural oils are beneficial for eczema. For example, tea tree oil is readily available as a treatment for skin conditions, but it can worsen eczema. [6] X Research source
You can invest in large humidifier systems that treat the air in your entire home, but if that’s not in your budget, at least go for a humidifier in your bedroom. Have it running while you sleep to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out excessively.
Tai chi and yoga are other practices that promote calmness and can reduce stress. If these practices interest you, check with your local community center to find out if there’s a class you can join.
Vitamin D Fish oil Zinc Melatonin Turmeric CBD
Follow the instructions on the antihistamine package unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Tell your doctor you’re taking an antihistamine, especially if they’ve prescribed medication. You want to avoid interference or unpleasant side effects.
If over-the-counter creams don’t work for you, talk to your doctor. They might prescribe a stronger steroid cream that you find more beneficial.
Choose a probiotic supplement that also includes prebiotics. These are the sugars bacteria use for fuel. Probiotics in combination with prebiotics have been shown to work better for eczema.
Massage also lowers stress, which in turn helps combat eczema flareups. If you’re getting a massage, make sure the oils or creams your massage therapist uses are eczema-friendly. When in doubt, you can always bring your own oils or creams for them to use.
Wet wrap therapy is particularly effective if you have a flareup that causes you severe itching and pain.
Phototherapy is usually most beneficial if you have flareups that aren’t responding to creams and other topical treatments. Your doctor might want to exhaust other options before going this route.
Biologics are preventive drugs that you have to take all the time. Rather than specifically treating flareups, they’re designed to decrease the number of flareups you have and lessen the severity of flareups when they do happen.
In the US, doctors’ use of immunosuppressants to treat eczema is “off-label,” meaning that these drugs haven’t been approved by the FDA to treat eczema. Talk to your doctor about the potentially serious side effects, including the risk of kidney and liver damage.
