Eczema can be difficult, without a doubt. Depending on the type of eczema you suffer from, it can flare up without warning and for a multitude of reasons. So how do we manage eczema and minimise its impact on our day-to-day lives?
The first step in eczema management is identifying the type of eczema you have. According to Cheryl Talent, President of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc, the cause of your eczema can vary depending on its type.
“Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition, being genetically linked. Some people with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment because their skin barrier is defective,” she explains. “There is an excessive reaction by the immune system producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin. Other types of eczema are caused by irritants such as chemicals and detergents and allergens such as nickel, and environmental factors and stress can also play a role.”
May is Eczema Awareness Week, so to support the cause and help sufferers better cope in their daily lives, we’ve identified three ways to manage eczema.
#1 Know your triggers
“Triggers of an eczema flare-up can include stress, foods, preservatives, chemicals, pollens, dust mites, toiletries and weather conditions,” says Cheryl. “Also, many people report a change of seasons can trigger an eczema flare.”
Once you’ve pinpointed what’s causing your eczema flare ups, you can begin to take steps to manage it.
#2 Keep potential irritants to a minimum
Once you know what’s causing your eczema, you’ll be better equipped to predict and deal with flare-ups. “Managing eczema to prevent flares is a constant battle involving using sensitive skin washing products, daily moisturising with suitable emollients, dietary restrictions and avoidance of allergens and irritants,” says Cheryl. “You also need to make sure you’re using flare prevention products at the first signs of redness and itch, plus the application of topical steroid creams, should a severe flare-up occur.”
#3 Create a healthy skin routine with gentle products
Australian brand, DermaVeen, who are proud to support Eczema Awareness Week, have developed a great therapeutic skin care range to assist eczema sufferers. Choosing a low-irritant cleanser and nourishing moisturiser, such as the DermaVeen Extra Gentle Soap-Free Wash and DermaVeen Sensitive Relief Eczema range of moisturisers can help to keep flare-ups at bay.
“The skin is the largest organ in the body. The regular use of moisturisers, such as those in the DermaVeen range, assists in reducing the rate of fluid loss through the skin and maintaining a protective barrier against infection,” says Cheryl.
The 100% natural ingredient, colloidal oatmeal has skin protective and therapeutic skin healing properties. The gentle skin regime provides everyday protection and maintenance to support the skin’s barrier. “Many sufferers also report that oatmeal skin products such as in the DermaVeen range are a great help in managing their skin condition,” adds Cheryl.
Two of our beautyheaven staff suffer from eczema and so trialled the DermaVeen Extra Gentle Soap-Free Wash and Sensitive Relief Eczema Lotion. Here they share their thoughts and experiences with the products:
“I’ve been using the DermaVeen wash and lotion for about a month now. At the time I started using it, my eczema had just flared up so it was perfect timing. I don’t normally use anything to treat my eczema, so it was handy to have these products to combat my recent episode. I couldn’t believe how gentle the wash was. It’s really soothing on the skin. However, using the products in combination actually soothed my eczema and it disappeared within days. I’ll definitely use them again whenever my eczema appears.” – bh’s Kristy*
“I have had eczema since I was a kid and I have been constantly trying new creams, lotions, body washes, oils – anything that could soothe and hydrate my skin. At the moment I have been using DermaVeen Extra Gentle Soap-Free Wash and Sensitive Relief Eczema Lotion. I am really loving the Soap Free Wash, it lathers really well, which I like, and it makes my skin feel really soft and hydrated! It is also so gentle, I haven’t had any irritation and a little bit goes a long way. It is the best body wash I have used in a long time. I will definitely continue to use this product! The Sensitive Relief Lotion is also very good. It is a light lotion and it takes a while to rub in, but that’s okay because once it is fully rubbed in it feels very nice on my skin. It doesn’t feel like I have any lotion on, it just feels like I have really hydrated soft, skin which I love. It’s very good at healing all the dry bits of skin. I would highly recommend this product not just to people with eczema but sensitive, dry skin too.” – bh’s Julia*
Have you ever dealt with eczema? If so, how did you manage it?
*Individual results may vary
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
AU-2018-04-0080
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