How to Limit Eczema Breakouts
Diet can play an important part in eczema breakout. Lactose and whey are best avoided, they are present in lots of food e.g. dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt. If possible substitute with soya or goat’s milk products. Please remember to consult your doctor or a diet specialist before changing your diet; also introduce any changes gradually so you don’t upset your digestive system.
The best advice is try to eat healthy meals at regular times and avoid excessive junk food. Clothes made with synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester or wool tend to irritate the skin; Cotton and linen clothing and bedding are best. Residual detergents in clothes and bedding are irritating, so use less detergent and double rinse. Use a gentle laundry detergent and try to avoid fabric softeners or at least ensure they are perfume free. Wear gloves to protect your hands from water and detergent. PVC gloves are recommended for wet work and the use of cotton gloves for potentially dirty work around the house and garden not only will this protect your hands, using gloves will minimize the need to scrub your hands clean after working.
Avoid classic soaps, cosmetics, detergents, shampoos, conditioners, perfume, shaving creams as well as make up. Classic soaps are alkali and will dry the skin.
Use natural soap such as aleppo soap or argan oil soap, for bathing and shaving, avoid using any soap on open skin. Use warm water when bathing. Washing with natural or organic skin care products is encouraged. Hot water, hard water, salt water, chlorinated water and classic bubble bath are all potential triggers for eczema breakouts. When you get out of the bath or shower gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing, then moisturise with a natural or organic moisturiser in order to retain the skin natural moisture. Stay away from skin care products containing, paraben, silicon and phenoxyethanol, instead stick to natural or organic products there are other factors that can trigger eczema:
• Prolonged hot showers or baths
• Allowing the skin to stay dry
• Stress
• Sweating
• Rapid temperature changes
• Certain fabrics, such as wool
• Dust
• Pet hair
• Some soaps, and cosmetics products
• Solvents or detergents
• Certain type of foods
Best Wishes Laura,
Claude & Celeste Beauty editor and skin care specialist.