We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.
The chronic condition can cause itchiness and dryness of the skin, yet you may not have sought treatment for an issue you didn’t realise you had. Do you have eczema?
Water – either from a shower or bath – can strip away the skin’s natural oils, stated Medical News Today.
This effect of washing is more pronounced by the defective skin barrier eczema sufferers have.
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with an irritant, or experiences too much friction or heat.
This develops as a rash on the skin, which can be red, itchy and may sting while bathing in hot water.
Other symptoms of this interaction include blisters, dry, cracked and flaky skin and swelling.
The rash tends to disappear after exposure to the irritant has ended, so you may find the red rash goes away after exiting the bath or shower.
The National Eczema Society made it clear that people with eczema have skin that may not “produce as much fats and oils as other people’s”.
This makes it harder for the skin to retain water in general, and gaps can open up in the skin cells.
As gaps open up in the skin cells, moisture is lost from the deeper layers of the skin.
In addition, bacteria and irritants are then able to pass through, causing inflammation.
Medical News Today added that eczema may recur in adulthood if you previously thought you had outgrown the condition.
DON’T MISS…
The natural shampoo you can make at home to stimulate hair growth without side effects [ADVICE]
How to live longer: Two lifestyle factors you must avoid if you want to boost longevity [TIPS]
Best supplements for longevity: Pill may help the ageing process and slash cancer risk [INSIGHT]
Be wary of the products you choose to use while getting clean, as some could be irritants.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s advised to avoid products that contain fragrance, menthol, or alcohol.
Look for hypoallergenic products and moisturise daily, making sure to lock in moisture by slathering cream on damp skin after bathing.
Recommendations to soothe sensitive skin include keeping showers “as short and as cool as possible”.
Showering daily should be fine, but no more than that for eczema sufferers.
In addition, long, hot baths are best avoided too, but adding in bath oils may help to moisturise the skin.
One suggested home remedy is to take an oatmeal bath to decreases the chances of a skin rash.
Washcloths, scrubs or harsh sponges may also irritate eczema-prone skin, so don’t use them.
The most important treatment for eczema-prone skin is to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.
There are eczema-specific lotions you may want to rely on, such as E45.
This is considered an emollient, which can help provide a protective barrier to the skin.
This helps to prevent patches of inflammation and flare-ups, so you can go about everyday as normal.
Source: Read Full Article