I’ve suffered from eczema ever since I was 13. It started off with flare ups on my arms and when I hit my 20’s, I started getting flare ups on my face (eyes and upper lip). I’ve spent the last 12 years looking for ways in which I could help sooth my dry, itchy, inflamed skin without too much use of steroids. It’s always been a matter of trial and error but there are some things that have really helped me. So I’ve compiled a list of 10 ways to treat eczema.
1. Take An Anti-Histamine
As soon as you see the first signs of an eczema flareup, start taking an anti-histamine regularly. First signs may include itching, redness, dry skin, roughness or swelling. The anti-histamine controls any allergic reactions you may have to dust, pollen and certain foods etc. It makes a huge difference but it needs to be taken every day to see results. I always notice my itching gets better which in turn helps calm my skin down. This is also extremely important during hay fever season. Taking an Anti Histamine is one of the most important ways to treat eczema.
2. Keep Nails Short
This one is self explanatory but keeping nails short ensures you don’t damage the surface of your skin by scratching it. Eczema flares ups can make skin itchy and having short nails will protect you from further damaging the skin and causing wounds that could get infected. As much as I hate my super short nails, I’m always thankful for my decision to keep my nails short during a flare up.
3. Stick to basics
During an eczema flare up, cut back all your skincare products and go back to basics. Use simple, fragrance free moiturisers and emollients to hydrate and protect your skin barrier. Skip any exfoliants, actives, retinol and abrasive products. To give you an idea, here’s an example of what my skincare routine looks like during a flare up on my face.
Cleanse:
I tend to use a very gentle creamy cleanser like Ren Evercalm Cleansing Milk or a cleansing oil like Dhc Deep Cleansing oil.
Left to right : Deviant Oil cleanser and Kate Somerville Delik8 Cleanser.
Tone:
I use a hydrating mist or essence to tone such as the Larcoche Posay Toleraine Ultra 8 mist or Dr Jart Ceramidin Range.
Serum:
I use Hyaluronic Acid based serums such as Caudalie Vinosource SOS serum. This works really well on a flare up too. It softens and hydrates the skin and it’s one of my favourite hydrating serums.
Mist Again to lock in moisture.
Oils:
I love using a facial oil as it provides added nourishment to the skin. I switch between Antipodes Divine, Drunk Elephant Marula or Zelens Power D. All of them have different price points and all are amazing. These oils nourish, hydrate and improve skin barrier. Use them before/after moisturiser or a couple of drops mixed in with moisturiser to give your skin a boost of hydration and nourishment.
Moisturise:
I love the Caudalie Vinosource SoS Moisturiser or Aveeno Oatmeal Cream for hydration.
To use on eczema after moisturising:
Cetraben softens the eczema patch, its safe to use on eyes, hydrates and improves skin barrier.
Diprobase Itch relief cream for when the itch is uncontrollable.
There will be times when you’ll need steroid based creams so please don’t hesitate to contact your GP.
4. Use Gentle Cleansers
During an eczema flare up, switch to very basic, fragrance free cleansers. A cleansing milk or oil is great to for the skin as it they aren’t harsh. I try to skip any flannel use too as it’s too abrasive for my skin. A micellar water such as the Bioderma Sensibo using soft cotton pads work really well too. It can be anything gentle and basic that works for your skin.
5. Change the way you shampoo your hair
This one is a very handy tip for anyone who suffers from a skin condition such as acne, dermatitis etc. The hair products we use contain parabens and sulphates that can be harmful for the skin and sometimes be triggers to flare ups. Which is why it’s important whilst washing your hair, tilt your head backwards so the shampoo or hair product doesn’t fall and wash down your face. I love the Maui Moisture Range for shampoos and conditioners. They are paraben and sulphate free.
6. Sleep on a clean pillow case
When we sleep, a human body sheds any dead skin cells and they tend to accumulate on pillow cases and beddings. Dust mites live off dead skin so its like food for these mites. If you’re allergic to dust mites like I am, it will trigger an eczema flare up as well as cause allergy symptoms like sneezing etc. So It’s important to keep your beddings and pillow cases clean. Change them regularly and wash them on a hot cycle. You can also purchase dust mite resistant duvet covers and pillow cases as well as sprays such as this one to spray on your furnishings like carpets, curtains etc.
7. Cetraben
This is one brand that really helps to keep my eczema in check. I use the Cetraben cream everyday on areas I would normally get eczema to keep it nourished and moisturised. I mostly use this on my eyes everyday and it wears very well under makeup too. I always have one In my stash and the moment I feel a flare up coming I increase my Cetraben use and follow the steps I’ve mentioned in this article. Even if it’s a flare up that has to be tackled with a steroid cream, it always helps to increase use of Cetraben
8. Use of Hydracortisone 1%
Having eczema on your eyes is one of the most frustrating things ever because not only the skin near eyes is super thin, the use of steroids is a no go too. However, sometimes the skin can get so itchy and inflamed that no normal cream can sort it out. At that point, it’s best to take advice from your doctor. Sometimes I do use an over the counter hydrocortisone very lightly on my eye area to settle the inflammation and then top it off with emollients and creams. But this has to be used extremely carefully and cautiously. It can cause more harm than good so please tread carefully and follow doctors advice.
9. Avoid essential oils and fragrances
This one is like a no brainer but if you’re new to eczema triggers, you will need to avoid any essential oils and fragrances that can be found in skincare, body care, makeup and perfumes of course. I love the Cerave range for skincare. It’s brilliant and there’s something for all skin types.
10. Use of Vaseline
If you slap on Vaseline and expect things to change, it won’t happen! However I’ve found that if I follow a hydrating skincare routine and then dab a light layer of vaseline on top of an eczema patch, it helps to seal in any moisture and prevents further moisture loss. Vaseline can block pores and cause puffiness if used on the eyes so be careful. It has to be a very light layer and it works very similar to an ointment that you can buy over the counter such as Epaderm Ointment.
So there you have it, my 10 ways to treat eczema. Sometimes it’s just a matter of trial and error until you figure out what works for you. If you suffer from eczema, what are the ways you keep it in check? What products have helped you? Let me know in the comments below.
Check out the Pixi Beauty Vitamin-C Range Review if you haven’t already.
Lots of love
Hoor xox
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** These are things that helped me deal with eczema but that doesn’t mean it’ll work for you too. Please always do your research and contact your doctor for advise.
