How To Survive Itchy Days With Eczema

The word “eczema” comes from the Greek word which means ‘to boil over’. This perfectly describes the red, inflamed, itchy areas that appear during flare-ups. Broadly speaking, this skin condition affects nearly 10% of the world population, and its severity ranges from mild to severe.

Most varieties of eczema are characterized by chronic itch, affecting many people in ways that aren’t merely physical, affecting their sleep patterns and mental health issues like despair, anxiety, leading to substantial emotional and psychological consequences. 

Causes Of Eczema

Eczema sufferers tend to have an overactive immune system, that, when activated by a chemical outside or inside the body, responds by inflaming the skin. On one hand, they can include a genetic predisposition, but external circumstances can also play a role in its emergence and the severity of symptoms. People with dry skin, as well as those who have other allergy symptoms, are more susceptible to the illness.

Symptoms are more common in the autumn and winter months, which is most likely related to the fact that the skin is exposed to less sunlight and can quickly dry up owing to the heat and change of indoor and outdoor temperature. Having eczema tends to have a negative impact on many aspects of a person’s life. It may affect them in the following ways:

• Emotionally (frustration, anger, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression) 
• In the workplace (inability to perform well, avoid certain types of employment paths)
• In social situations (avoidance of social interaction or intimacy with a partner)
• Interference with daily activities (clothing choices, makeup, shaving, eating, and drinking habits)

Signs of skin irritation

Due to a defective skin barrier, the skin can become infected with bacteria or viruses from the environment. Eczema-affected skin is more susceptible to infections such as impetigo, cold sores, and warts. For people with uncontrolled eczema, long-term preventative techniques such as diluted bleach baths can help to avoid skin infections in the future. 

Managing Eczema

While you may not always be able to control your symptoms, some things help to live with eczema a little easier. Check out how.

Know your triggers:

• Allergens (dust mites, pets, pollens, and mould) 
• Microbes 
• Extreme heat and cold
• Stress
• Certain foods

Implement regular routines for bathing and moisturizing:

Bathing routine:

• At least once a day, bathe or shower in lukewarm (not hot) water for a short amount of time (approximately 5-10 minutes).
• Do not scrub your skin with a washcloth or a loofah.
• Use an unscented, fragrance-free, and dye-free mild cleanser (may be specialized soap).
• Using a towel, lightly pat dry the skin, leaving it a little wet.
• Avoid rubbing the skin.
• As directed by a doctor, apply a prescribed topical treatment to the affected regions of the skin. 
• To seal in the moisture, apply a moisturizer with high oil content all over the body. 
• Do not use perfumed bubble bath or bath products with the word "medicated" on the label.

Moisturizing routine:

• After bathing or showering, apply a thick layer of moisturizer all over the skin to trap moisture and protect the skin barrier. Apply it twice a day. 
• Rub Moisturizer between the palms to soften it and then apply it to the body.
• Don't remove the excess moisturizer if it feels tacky on the skin because within minutes it will be completely absorbed.
• After washing the hands, use a moisturizer for hydration. 

Employ wet wrap therapy:

Wet wrap therapy can help rehydrate and relax the skin during extremely acute eczema flares with significant itch or pain or topical medicines. After showering, moisturizing, and applying the medication, wet wraps are the best option. Use clean cotton clothing or gauze to cover your body. For covering the dry areas of your body, use pajamas or a sweat suit. 

Apply massage and acupressure:

Massage is well known for reducing stress, which can assist with eczema flare-ups. Acupressure uses physical pressure to unblock life energy at certain spots on the body. 

Types of clothing to lessen skin irritation:

• Make sure you don't overheat your skin with clothing.
• Instead of wearing one heavy garment, wear many layers that you can remove as and when needed. 
• Wear materials that are soft and silky close to the skin.
• Scratchy materials, such as pure wool, polyester, or acrylic, should be avoided. Instead, choose cotton or synthetic blend material. 

Why Creamy Black African Soap is an Ideal Eczema Soap

Afrikan skincare is a beauty brand for ‘the people of color’. The "Creamy Black" African Black Soap from this brand is the answer to a completely natural skincare regimen. People with skin problems including cystic acne, eczema, and excessively pigmented skin types should use this African Black Soap. Its calming qualities may give temporary relief from rashes and other skin problems that cause itching or suffering.

Active Ingredients:

The active ingredient in eczema soap is the component that will have the greatest therapeutic effect on your skin. The soap has everything from natural calming components like green tea, coconut milk to more medicinal ones like natural preservatives. 

Lack of Irritants:

Because eczema typically results in skin that is more sensitive or irritated, it is critical for people to be aware of what triggers their eczema and causes an eruption. The soap is thoughtfully created with alternative ingredients that best suit such skin conditions.

Surfactants:

The soap does not contain any harsh cleaners that may harm the permeability barrier and are natural moisturizers that keep the skin soft and supple. 

Ph balanced formulas:

Alkaline soaps can raise the pH of the skin to a level that compromises the skin's barrier function. As a result, this soap with a pH-balanced recipe and the luxurious lather it creates can help in fighting acne and skin problems by effectively and efficiently washing away grime. 

Conclusion

Understandably, dealing with bad flare-ups from eczema can be stressful, humiliating, and exhausting.  Despite the challenges that living with eczema brings with it, there are eczema specialized soaps, medications, and treatment plans that help mitigate its impact on the sufferer’s life. If the condition is extreme or moderate, it is always recommended to see a dermatologist. Thus, individuals with eczema should understand how their skin reacts, regardless of the severity of the problem, so they can manage present outbreaks and avoid future irritations.