ECZEMA
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. Certain substances or conditions called trigger factors can cause eczema to flare (ie: become worse). These trigger factors can be: Irritants such as soaps and detergents, wool, skin infections, dry skin, low humidity, heat, sweating or emotional stress allergens such as dust mites, pollen, molds or foods.
What foods to avoid if you have eczema?
Peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and eggs are the most common culprits. We are aware that children and adults need a well-rounded diet, If you connect a food with your eczema stop. These foods might cause eczema flares. Talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist immediately! They can do tests for problem foods.
What is a wet wrap for eczema?
Wet wraps are usually for severe eczema flare-ups. They are most often used for only a few days at a time, but can be used for longer as instructed by your healthcare provider. Wet wraps can also be used without topical steroids to help moisturizers work better on areas that are very dry.
Can hot water harm eczema?
A hot bath or shower can dry the skin out, which can make eczema even worse. Warm water can help reduce itchiness and remove the crusty surface of the skin, but you should avoid staying in the water too long and use emollient (skin softening) such as our eczema butter. Our organic black soap designed for eczema-prone skin when washing. These two products works very well for eczema.
Are you losing sleep due to your eczema?
Eczema symptoms often get worse at night and interrupt or delay sleep. Medications, wet wraps, medicated baths, and other methods can help people with eczema to get a good night’s rest. When eczema flares up at night, the discomfort can make it difficult to get to sleep.
Eczema symptoms may feel worse at night for a few reasons:
- Due to the body’s sleep and wake cycles, a person’s temperature decreases at night, which can make the skin feel itchy.
- If a person has moisturized during the day, the effects may have worn off by night.
- People are more likely to scratch in their sleep, which can make itchiness worse.
People tend to wake up a few times during the night without realizing it. They may be scratching because they are too sleepy to remember to hold back. This can make the itchiness worse, which can interrupt sleep further.
How to prevent eczema flare ups at night.
The following tips may help prevent eczema itching at night:
- Moisturize well before bed. Use our oil-based moisturizer or our eczema butter.
- Bathe at night. Bathing regularly is important for keeping the skin hydrated and preventing infections. Try bathing with our lavender bath oil and add a little oatmeal. Always moisturize within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in hydration. Try medicated baths, which may include colloidal oatmeal or vinegar.
- Use wet wrap therapy. If the skin tends to dry out during the night, try wrapping a damp cloth around the affected area after moisturizing with our body oil or eczema butter. Leaving the wrap on overnight can help keep the skin hydrated.
- Avoid harsh fabrics. Do not use sheets or pajamas made from fabrics that can irritate the skin, such as wool or polyester. Clothing and linens made from 100 percent cotton are gentler on the skin.
- Avoid allergens before bed. Many people with eczema also have allergies, and reactions can make eczema symptoms worse. It can help to stay away from common allergens, such as certain foods, pet dander and pollen, at night.
- Drink a cup of lavender tea before bed. Lavender is regarded worldwide for its anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Its sedative effect is likely attributed to the compound honokiol, which is found in abundance in the stems, flowers, and bark of the magnolia plant. Honokiol is said to work by modifying GABA receptors in your brain, which may increase sleepiness. While they do not reduce the itching they may make a person drowsy, helping them to sleep in spite of the itching. Lavender tea is wonderful because it calming and slows down your
- Try melatonin. The supplement melatonin can help children with eczema get to sleep more quickly.
- Wear gloves to bed. Making it more difficult to scratch can help control eczema itching at night. Some people find relief by keeping their fingernails short or wearing gloves to bed.
- Keep the bedroom cool. Sweating or just feeling hot can make the skin itchier.
- Get into a good sleep pattern. Go to sleep at the same time each night and make time for a relaxing activity, such as reading or meditation, before bed.
Our products offer comfort and relief. We are not claiming a cure but a happier lifestyle.
