A few years back, it started with an uncontrollable burning itchy feeling on my leg. It was so painful- like constantly feeling to scratch out my skin and not being able to stop. I knew this wasn’t normal and I was applying so many topical ointments and googling all the ways to stop the burning scratching feeling.
It got so bad that the patches started to spread and my skin started to get scarred. At this point, my obsessive googling convinced me that it was atopic dermatitis. I knew I needed some relief ASAP so I booked a dermatologist appointment because I was terrified I would scratch out my skin tbh.
One look at the patches on my leg and she confirmed it: I had eczema.
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So What is Eczema?
Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough. Blisters may sometimes occur. More details here.
One of the most common forms of eczema is “Atopic Dermatitis” which is what I have.
“Atopic” refers to a collection of diseases involving the immune system, including atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin [read here].
Eczema is not contagious so you don’t have to worry about getting it from someone else because it is an immune system response.
The thing about eczema is that as of today, there is no cure for it-but it can be treated and managed. I’ve compiled some of the ways I personally deal with having eczema.
Triggers for Eczema
Eczema is easily triggered by a ton of factors. In my case, it’s triggered by scented soaps, body washes, detergents and extremely dry weather; so whenever I travel I am prone to having an ‘outbreak’ or a ‘flare’ as it is called. Waxing my legs is also a trigger because I get my eczema flare-ups primarily on my legs so shaving is my main way of hair removal for that area now.
You want to be really aware of what causes these flares so keep a note of what soap you used, any lotions you applied etc. so that you can avoid them. For me, every single time I used a scented soap, little patches would appear so I avoid any body washes and soaps like that now.
Prescription Medication
I realized that I had a really bad eczema flare when I could not stop scratching my legs. (I know it may sound gross!) but you feel as though your skin is burning up from the inside and you literally have no other response but to want to tear at your skin or scratch it.
If a flare gets really out of control, you’ll actually have to get a prescription corticosteroid. The one I use is Diprosalic Ointment and it provides immediate relief. It’s like the burning hot fire feeling just disappears in as little as one application.
The catch though, is that you have to use these really sparingly because it can thin your skin out. Over time, I have noticed that in the patches where I applied the ointment, I had lighter areas of skin there, as a result of the corticosteroid.
When you’re given the cream it literally works within 1-2 days and the itch goes away immediately. It is the best thing in life and you just use the tiniest amount!
Once you have treated that initial flare, you can do several things afterwards to make sure that you don’t get another outbreak.
How to Manage Flares
Recently I came across a brand called Eczema Honey Co. and they have an entire line of products catered especially for eczema. They have a ton of soaps, lotions and body scrubs that are targeted especially for people with eczema and they help to soothe your skin.
One product that I really love the Eczema Honey Soothing Foot and Hand Soak This contains Pink Himalayan, Epsom and Sea salt and when you smell it you get a lavender and tea tree oil scent. Lavender is anti-inflammatory and tea tree oil helps to soothe your skin. You scoop a little bit out into some water and soak your hands or your feet.
The next product which is my ultimate favourite and one that I use up to this day, is the Eczema Honey Nut-Free Soothing Cream. It comes in a cute jar and you take a little out and apply it to your skin. It contains honey and it melts into your skin to create a moisture barrier to protect and condition, soothe and calm it. The cream allows me to soothe and calm my skin whenever I feel a flare-up coming on. This is a travel must have for me since my flares tend to trigger in dry, cold climates.
An alternative option is e45 cream which you can find in any pharmacy without a prescription. This is a really thick cream and it soothes my skin. Since I don’t really use my prescription cream unless I get a really bad flare up, this is what I use whenever I feel a tingle coming along.
Soaps I Use
Instead of using scented body washes, I use Simple or Purist soap. Cetaphil is another great option but of course, it’s so much more expensive. All of these work because they are unscented and there are no preservatives in them either so there’s less irritation.
Lotions I Use
I avoid anything with really strong scents and irritants. Right now I’m living for this Vaseline Advanced Repair which has never causes my skin to get irritated. It’s also non-greasy and really hydrates my skin.
Again, there’s also Cetaphil which is again, more on the much pricier side.
Natural Remedies for Eczema
Two natural ways you can treat eczema are using coconut oil and aloe vera
Coconut oil has so many health benefits and one of them is of course, hydrating and moisturizing your skin. You can find coconut oil in most drugstores, and all you need to do is just put some into your hands, rub them together and apply it to your skin and it immediately moisturizes and soothes it.
Aloe vera is also very effective and I even have a plant in my room. It’s one of the best plants that you can grow and keep in your house because it also has so many benefits. So whenever you feel that flare-up coming on you can just cut a piece and apply the aloe vera gel onto your skin. It’s soothing and calming and will help with getting rid of that tingling you may be feeling.
Once you know your triggers and stay away from them, the likelihood of your eczema flaring up will be reduced.
If you have any questions about managing eczema let me know!
xx
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