Living with Eczema

If you struggle daily (and nightly) to deal with itching, swelling, and irritation of eczema, know that practical solutions are available to help you live more comfortably. The experts at Manhattan Dermatology help people in Midtown East and Murray Hill manage this chronic skin condition.

Living with eczema is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.

Battle eczema with multiple treatments

Eczema doesn’t have one single cause nor one single solution. Avoiding triggers, using soothing and nonallergenic topical products, medications, and emotional support are some of the multifaceted ways to address the condition.

At Manhattan Dermatology, we can help you combine these treatment strategies into a single plan. 

Become aware of your triggers

Eczema may flare up when you come into contact with specific triggers, such as environmental factors, foods, and numerous other catalysts including: 

• Sun and hot weather
• Sweating
• Fragrances and other irritants in lotions, soaps, or perfumes
• Clothing and dish detergents
• Stress
• Allergens and germs
• Extreme cold
• Fabric textures

Once you’re aware of any specific triggers, you can take care to avoid

them or make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Develop a personal routine

If you have a personal skin care routine that keeps your eczema at bay, stick to it religiously. Keep a backstock of the products that work and always carry them when you travel. Practicing self-care can go a long way toward living with and diminishing uncomfortable symptoms. 

Shift your thinking

Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, guided imagery, or other mindfulness activities can help you relax and take your attention away from the itching and irritation of eczema. These techniques may not make your symptoms go away, but they help you manage your reactions. You’ll be especially appreciative of these mindfulness techniques if you find stress exacerbates your symptoms.

Seek support

Those suffering from eczema often experience anxiety and depression because they feel self-conscious and isolated due to their condition. It’s easy to feel insecure about the visible signs of eczema. Some adults avoid certain situations because of the risk of embarrassment over dry, flaky, red skin. 

Resist the urge to isolate yourself. Join an online support group, or speak with the doctors at Manhattan Dermatology about available treatment options so you can feel comfortable with your symptoms and with others. Psychologically, it helps to know that you’re not the only one dealing with itching and perpetual skin irritations.

Go Au Natural

Commercial body lotion and moisturizing products are often loaded with irritating chemicals. Coconut oil, however, is a natural way to soothe and moisturize your skin without these additives. Sunflower oil also has healing properties. Try some of the natural remedies to see if you get relief from itching and redness.

You may want to avoid essential oils and aromatherapy oils, as they may irritate your skin, rather than helping. But, not everyone will find these irritating and may actually use them to get relief. Remember, eczema treatments are not one-size-fits-all. If you find these options fit your specific condition, then keep them in your routine.

Sit down for a consultation

Your eczema can be effectively treated and managed with medical means, too. At Manhattan

Dermatology, we recommend some of the following, depending on the nature and severity of your particular condition:

• Topical hydrocortisone or corticosteroid to control inflammation
• Topical tar to control itching
• Antihistamines to relieve itching
• Antibiotics to kill bacteria
• Cyclosporine to treat unresponsive cases
• Immunotherapy to boost the immune system for anyone over two years old

You don’t have to struggle alone to manage your eczema. The experts at Mahanattan Dermatology can help. Call or request an appointment online with Manhattan Dermatology, today.