Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes rashes that look red, feel itchy and can be extremely uncomfortable. It is a relatively common skin condition, especially among children! While this condition may improve overtime with age, it may still persist through adulthood in some cases. Dealing with this condition can be difficult, so we asked our Picky Experts to give their opinion for handling eczema! See their tips and product picks!
Eczema Conditions
There are several different types of eczema, and atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Here are some of the common symptoms of atopic dermatitis:
- Dry, scaly skin
- Red and inflamed skin
- Intense itchiness
- Crusting and oozing
You can read more about what triggers eczema and other tricks with our previous post. But today we’re having our special Picky Experts highlight their top tips and products. Our panel is full of certified dermatologists Jenny (@derm.talk), Jaja (@thedermamamaph) and Dr. Katie (@drkatiebeleznay).
Jenny
@derm.talk
Dermatologist
“Gentle skincare should be a lifelong habit.”
Jaja
@thedermamamaph
Dermatologist
“Make a food diary to note whether anything you eat is triggering your condition.”
Dr. Katie
@drkatiebeleznay
Dermatologist
“If you know your triggers, do your best to avoid them.”
Skincare Tips for Managing Eczema
Jenny’s Tips:
Some tips to follow include: Using lukewarm water when showering or bathing. Using gentle soap or cleanser for the armpits and buttocks daily. Try to limit soap elsewhere unless skin is visibly dry.
Right after showering, pat your skin dry and lather on a moisturizer from head to toe. Avoid using too many products and avoid fragrances. But the most important thing is to see a dermatologist when things aren’t getting better.
Jaja’s Tips:
- Avoid taking long hot baths and limit bathing time to 10 minutes.
- Use gentle cleansers. Try a non-soap cleanser (syndets that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free).
- Apply moisturizers right after you bathe, and apply at least two times a day (all over the body, not just the red itchy areas).
- Avoid rubbing or scratching, instead use moisturizers to massage areas that are itchy.
- Taking oral antihistamine can be done, but under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Dr. Katie’s Tips:
Echoing what my fellow dermatologists have highlighted, gentle non-abrasive skincare is essential. It’s important to keep the skin well hydrated and I recommend using heavier moisturizing creams or ointments as opposed to lighter moisturizing lotions.
Lifestyle Tips
Jenny’s Tips:
In the summer, try to stay cool since heat and sweating can be a trigger for eczema. Stick to breathable cotton or silk material clothing. For winter, adding a humidifier in your room could be helpful. Try and keep things cool while sleeping. Exercising and stress management are really important, and staying on a healthy diet that it anti-inflammatory.
Jaja’s Tips:
- Avoid certain triggers: Irritants, allergens, infection and stress.
- Make a food diary to observe if anything you’re eating is a trigger.
- Put a humidifier in your room to regulate the moisture.
Dr. Katie’s Tips:
Potential (non-skincare) triggers for eczema can include: Temperature (both hot and cold), smoke, sweat and fragrances. So if you know your triggers, do your best to avoid them.
Top Eczema Product Picks
Jenny’s Top Picks:
Cleansing
Dove – Sensitive Bar Soap
Vanicream – Cleansing Bar Soap
La Roche Posay – Lipikar Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Moisturizing
CeraVe- Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream – Moisturizing Cream
La Roche Posay – Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream
Jaja’s Top Picks:
Aveeno – Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Physiogel – Red Soothing AI Cream
Cetaphil – Moisturizing Cream
Suubalm – Ceramide Moisturizer
Dr. Katie’s Top Picks:
Skinfix – Eczema Balm
La Roche Posay – Lipikar Baume
Avene – Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream
Experts on Picky
Other than our Instagram and Picky Blog, if you want more info from our Picky Experts you can find them right on the Picky app! Many post skincare tips and helpful information. You can locate their posts on Discuss, under the Featured tab and Expert category. Have more topics you wish we would cover? Let us know!
3 Responses
Thank you! This is a great summary of tips! Would love to know more about topical steroid withdrawal and how to address it 💕
Thank you so much for this post. I have eczema and it can be so hard to deal with especially during warmer weather.
Thankyou for this I suffer with Eczema and its very itchy and uncomfortable especially in the warm and really cold weather as it makes it sore and itchy all my family also suffer with it since been little and I’ve tried many skin care products for it but not yet found the right one