How to manage eczema, according to a dermatologist

Stay away from harsh soaps

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“Skin care starts with cleansing. If you have eczema, you should avoid drying soaps or harsh detergents. The average soap has a pH level of 9 to 10, while normal skin usually has a pH level of 4 to 5, so soap can increase the skin’s pH to an undesirable level and worsen eczema symptoms. It’s best to avoid harsh soaps and substitute with a non-soap cleanser that doesn’t dry out skin.”

Don't use a loofah

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“When showering, avoid using a washcloth, loofah or anything that will scrape the skin. Also use lukewarm water during showers as hot water tends to stimulate mast cells and encourage the release of histamines. This will trigger the itch-scratch cycle.”

Always moisturise

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“Try to ‘lock in’ moisture after showering to protect the skin barrier, which is usually damaged in eczema. When the skin barrier is compromised, irritants can creep in and defective water retention will result in dry, itchy patches of skin. Frequent moisturising can help prevent eczema flare-ups. Use a moisturiser that contains products of filaggrin such as arginine, ceramides, sodium pyrrolidone to help rebuild a healthy skin barrier.”

Use sunscreen

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“Everyone should use sunscreen, including people with eczema. Go for a broad spectrum physical sunblock with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide—it contains fewer ingredients and is less irritating on the skin.”

Avoid the triggers

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“Repeated exposure to physical and chemical irritants such as dry weather, heat, carpets and harsh detergents may trigger eczema. You should try to eliminate possible triggers that aggravate your eczema.”

This article was first published on CLEO.