You’ve heard the saying “love the skin you’re in”. That’s all very well, unless of course you’re one of the many Australians affected by eczema, a condition notorious for causing red, dry, scaly and itchy skin. Read through the following tips for advice on how to help soothe your eczema in winter.
Pat yourself dry after you shower
The rubbing action of towel-drying can dry out the skin and irritate the top layer of already dry skin. Gently pat yourself dry after showers and hand washing. Also, don’t forget – the hotter the shower, the drier your skin will be.
Avoid added fragrances
These can be in shampoo, soap and moisturiser. While these fragrances may smell lovely, they will often lead to stinging and dry skin if they’re in products that are applied topically. Opt for natural products, such as KenKay Dermalogical Moisturiser, specifically formulated with emollients – and is fragrance free – to soothe and protect problem skin.
Keep your nails short
Eczema can sometimes feel like hundreds of mosquito bites concentrated in one area. Despite knowing better, it’s hard for even the strongest willed to completely avoid scratching. Keep your nails as short as possible to help avoid doing more damage to your skin.
Wear breathable fabrics
Try to wear more natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. Synthetic fabrics like polyester lead to more heat and sweating, which may irritate any problem areas or even trigger a new flare up.
Limit indoor heating
Indoor heating is no friend of your skin. Dry air sucks moisture and worsens eczema, so pay attention to humidity levels. Sweating can also exacerbate symptoms. Try a cool-mist humidifier in winter or skip the heater altogether and layer up instead. Ugg boots, anyone?
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