Top 5 Daily Tips for Eczema Management

Everyone’s eczema is unique, which means there are many different approaches to managing eczema. Here are the top five things everyone with eczema can do daily to help manage and prevent flares:

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

While 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. People with eczema, especially atopic dermatitis, tend to have very dry skin in general. This is because the disease causes defects in the skin barrier. Bathing helps replenish some of the moisture lost through the skin barrier. Learn more about bathing and 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 by locking in moisture. Regular use of moisturizers have convincingly shown to help people manage their eczema. Learn more about moisturizing and eczema.

3. Get plenty of sleep

Eczema causes itch, which often disrupts sleep. In addition to making people feel groggy, poor sleep 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. Here are some tips to help improve sleep hygiene:

• Go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day
• Create a consistent bedtime routine 
• Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, comfortable and technology-free
• Limit caffeine intake after lunch 

Learn more about improving sleep with eczema.

4. Prioritize mental health and seek support when needed

Studies show that people with eczema are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Understanding how your mental state affects your eczema can help you get a handle on the stress-flare cycle. It’s important to create a network of support, which can include friends, family and/or a mental health professional, to talk with regularly. You can also talk with your doctor at your next appointment about the connection between mental health and eczema.

5. Find ways to relax and de-stress

Stress and eczema’s impact on mental health is known to contribute to flares. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, journaling — whatever suits you best — are all examples of practices proven to help reduce stress. Learn more about eczema and stress management.