If You Have Eczema, Do These 5 Things Every Day

If you have eczema, you should probably do these five things every day:

1. Take a shower or bath using eczema-friendly products

While some people have said that less frequent bathing may be beneficial (and, yes, it may vary from person to person to some degree), studies suggest that bathing once a day (or even twice a day!) is actually better than less frequent bathing. Learn more about how you can use baths to manage your eczema.

2. Moisturize at least twice a day, ideally anytime your skin feels dry

Moisturizers help restore the skin barrier and protect the skin from irritants and allergens. Regular use of moisturizers have convincingly shown to help people manage their eczema and minimize the need for stronger prescription medications. Here’s everything you need to know about moisturizing your skin with eczema.

3. Get plenty of sleep

This is a tough one since the itch of eczema can disrupt sleep, making it harder to fall asleep, and sometimes the urge to itch can even wake people up at night. But it’s important to sleep because it turns out that poor sleep, in addition to making people feel groggy, has a direct and negative effect on the skin barrier. Poor sleep can result in worse eczema, which can result in poor sleep, trapping people into a vicious cycle.

4. Try to stay positive and seek support

Eczema can be really rough at times, and it can cause people to feel down and defeated. Studies show that people with eczema are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. So remember that there is hope and support out there, no matter how tough things might feel at the moment. Positivity might even help you heal.

Find strength in numbers on NEA’s social pages (we’re @nationaleczema on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and join the movement to #unhideECZEMA on Instagram.

5. Find a way to relax and de-stress

Again, it’s often easier said than done, but stress – any kind of stress – can worsen eczema and the skin barrier. Meditation, yoga, tai chi – whatever suits you best – but some form of daily relaxation seems like it can really help. Try this de-stressing practice from Eunice Yu.