Nearly 32 million people in the United States have a form of eczema. But if you’re one of them, that doesn’t mean you have to live with dryness, itching, redness, and inflammation.
Simple prevention measures offer healthier, smoother, rash-free skin. See Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, and his team at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates, with offices in Lansdowne and Gainesville, Virginia, to keep your skin in check this winter season and beyond. Also, check out the information below on eczema symptoms and how to prevent a winter flare-up.
These are the signs and symptoms of eczema you may experience during the cold months:
These or similar symptoms may come and go (flare-ups), particularly during cold and dry weather. Treatment offers relief and prevention. Risk factors include a family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever, and asthma.
The following eczema prevention tips can help you avoid bothersome itching and rough or unsightly patches:
Keep your skin moist using unscented moisturizing ointment, creams, and lotions as directed by Dr. Paluvoi. This avoids cracks, dryness, and roughness during the colder times of the year.
Take a shower or bath daily using warm (not hot) water. Limit each to 10 minutes to reduce the chance of skin dryness and eczema flare-ups. Moisturize your skin after bathing or showering.
Choose cleansers for your skin that contain no alcohols, fragrances, or dyes to keep eczema-prone skin clean and free from irritation and flare-ups. Avoid scrubbing your skin with a loofah or washcloth. Gentleness is the key to success.
Examples of potential eczema flare-up triggers include:
It’s also helpful to avoid eating foods that cause allergic reactions. Get tested at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates to determine if you’re sensitive to certain foods, medications, latex, or environmental allergens.
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated, and use a humidifier in the winter to reduce dry air in your home.
See Dr. Paluvoi at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates to keep your eczematic skin healthy and irritation-free. He offers allergy testing (skin prick tests, patch testing, blood tests, etc.) and asthma testing and treatments that boost skin health and help you breathe deeply.
It’s also helpful to eat nutritious foods, minimize stress, get plenty of sleep, stay active, and seek treatment for any mental health concerns, such as the “winter blues.”
If you need a prescription medication for your eczema or medical intervention for asthma and allergies, contact us today at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
