Skin: How to Avoid Eczema Breakouts.

I and millions of people around the world live with eczema. It is a combination of skin conditions that cause the skin to be irritated and inflamed. It can get very difficult to live with when it's combined with naturally dry, sensitive skin. It is not contagious but people who don’t have eczema may not see it as such and avoid you. If you have eczema you would know it can turn into an itchy, scaly open wound very quickly. Over the counter medication for eczema can add up over time. It would be cheaper and healthier on your skin if you avoid getting a break out.

I'm not a medical professional by any means but I've lived with eczema and sensitive skin all my life to know how to limit the chances of getting a breakout. My regimen may not work for everyone because I know that there are types of eczema that require direct medical assistant; still it may reduce even the worse of the worse.

1. Limited Dairy and egg consumption:

I know this is the most difficult part of this because I love pizza, grill cheese and cereal like the next person but when I consume too much my skin breaks out into dry scaly rashes. My main trigger dairy is cheese. I try to limit my consumption to once a week and I avoid chemically processed powder cheese like the plague. So snacks like cheese sticks, mac and cheese in the box and those individually wrapped slices of cheese are completely out of my diet. I would go more for a naturally handmade cheese at the deli in the supermarket.

For some reason, I can consume egg if it’s an ingredient in a recipe like cake or French toast but whenever I eat it hard boiled, scrambled or omelette my eczema breaks out on my arms and my scalp. So I avoid eating eggs.

2: Avoid skin products with irritants:

After observing how my skin reacts over the years I avoid products with high intense fragrance. The ingredients most skin and hair care brands use to formulate their fragrances are not disclosed and that is where all manners of nasty chemicals like urea, propane and parabens could be hiding. 

Avoid shampoos, soaps and body washes with sulfates. This is a chemical used to cut through grease, oils and dirt. It is common in shampoos and body washes but also in dishwashing liquid, laundry detergents and household cleaners. It will strip the skin and hair of all oils leaving it dry and the pH balance out of whack and that is a perfect habitat for eczema to thrive. Always read the ingredients the more natural and organic the ingredients the better. I personally use the Giovanni hair product brand for my hair and for my Cetaphil Eczema Calming body wash and lotion. But Cetaphil can get pricey and I am all for using cheaper, more for your money alternatives. I will be posting my cheaper alternative and DIY mixes in another blog soon.

3. Keep your skin moisturized:

Add lots of water, fruits and vegetables to your diet. It will keep your skin hydrated and to seal in that moisture use natural sealant like Shea butter, olive oil, cocoa butter and baby lotion- I use Johnsons Baby Lotion for sensitive skin. 

Avoid taking baths/showers in really hot water daily. Everyone loves a hot soak after a long day of work to unwind but the hot water can be very drying to your skin and that can trigger an eczema break out. Personally, I take a hot shower or bath on cold, rainy days followed by a moisture rich lotion. 

4. Other irritants:

I know I'm not the only one that has noticed that if I leave fashion jewelry on for more than a few hours an itchy rash would develop. You itch and then it turns into a scaly oozing mess. I only wear gold plated, natural metals/fabrics/woods and medical/hypoallergenic jewelry. 

You may not notice but the detergent you use in your clothes can really affect the health of your skin. I wash my clothes with hot water when I can and use mild, hypoallergenic detergents. I use gloves when I do any household cleaning.

Dress appropriately for the weather. The smallest rash can explode into a large patch very quickly in a hot, humid climate. You don't necessarily have to live in such a climate, overdressing on a warm day can cause sweat to build up in common creases like your inner elbow or the back of your knee (eczema's favorite nesting places). This can trigger a break out and make your life miserable. In cold climates avoid too much exposure, you skin can get dry and inflamed.

Simple changes in your lifestyle can put you on the right path to soft, healthy skin. It is no quick fix but over time the break outs will be almost non-existent. Others with eczema are welcome to comment on other ways they avoid eczema breakouts. We can all learn and better our beautiful skin.