Tips for Easing Eczema Symptoms

Eczema can be managed by identifying and avoiding the things that cause flareups and establishing a daily skin care routine. Proper bathing and moisturizing are essential for the daily care of skin with eczema. Mild cleansing can help prepare the skin for topical therapies. Moisturizers restore and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.

Showering Tips

• Use lukewarm water, not hot.

• Limit the length of your shower or bath to 10 to 15 minutes.

• Use a mild, non-drying, fragrance free cleanser.

• Gently pat skin dry – don’t rub.

• Avoid body sponges and washcloths.

Moisturizing Tips

• Apply moisturizers to damp skin (within 3 minutes of taking a bath or shower).

• If prescribed by a doctor, apply any special medications first and then liberally apply moisturizer. For some medications you may be advised to wait 15-20 minutes after applying before applying moisturizer, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

• Consider using a moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal, such as AVEENO® Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream or AVEENO® Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm clinically proven to help relieve the itching and irritation of eczema. Colloidal oatmeal is the only skin protectant ingredient FDA-approved for the treatment of eczema.

As always, talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Additional Tips:

Pamper your skin. Eczema can be managed through maintaining good skin care habits while avoiding things that can trigger flare-ups.

Try not to scratch. Easier said than done, but repeated scratching can lead to skin thickening and pigmentation changes.

Use sunscreen. Everyone should protect their skin from the sun every day, all year round.  If your eczema has caused discolorations, going out in the sun can worsen it.  Many people with eczema find mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium dioxide are gentle to the skin.