1. Avoid rapid temperature changes.

When your skin experiences big changes in temperature or uncomfortable environmental conditions, it starts to get dry, itchy, and cracked. 

You can reduce eczema flare-ups by avoiding abrupt changes in temperature, especially when you sleep. Sleeping in comfortable surroundings with fairly constant temperature and humidity levels can work wonders. 

Many have found success by putting humidifiers in their bedrooms. 

2. Get a healthy dose of vitamin D.

Recent studies have found that vitamin D can safely and significantly improve the symptoms of eczema.

The main source of vitamin D is sunlight, but it can also be found in many healthy foods like salmon, fortified orange juice, and egg yolks. 

If you are lucky enough to get some sun, protect yourself with sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Sunburn can make eczema worse because it can further dry out your skin.  

3. Wear airy, eczema friendly clothing. 

Wearing lightweight, airy, and soft clothing can be a gamechanger for your eczema. Loose-fitting cotton clothing is going to be your best option. 

Avoid clothing made from materials like wool. Wool can scratch and irritate your skin, worsening your eczema. 

4. Drink plenty of water and monitor your diet. 

If you have eczema, then you inherently have dry skin and most likely have a weak skin barrier function. It is important to drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated. Drinking water can also help you flush out any toxins in your body that could affect your skin. 

Eating certain foods may trigger eczema flare-ups as well. Maintaining an eczema-friendly diet is key to managing your skin. Keep a journal of the foods you eat and how they impact your eczema. Begin to avoid foods that cause your eczema to act up.  

5. Rethink your laundry detergent.

Laundry detergents are often one of the last things people think of when they think of eczema triggers. Laundry detergents contain substances that could be irritants or allergens which can wreak havoc on your eczema. 

To combat this, look for laundry detergents made for sensitive skin or are labelled hypoallergenic. Fragrance-free detergents are the way to go. 

6. Moisturize each day. 

Perhaps one of the most important tips for eczema suffers: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. 

People living with eczema may have a damaged skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive to irritants and other outside stressors. Moisturizers help protect the outermost layer of the skin and allow your body to naturally heal your eczema flare-ups. 

It’s important to pick a moisturizer made with ingredients you can trust, so you can have the peace of mind in knowing that you are not damaging your skin further when trying to protect it. You can also use a moisturizer specifically made for those with eczema, such as Pat's Original Eczema Care Skin Smoothing Cream.

7. De-stress and unwind.

Eczema is not just a skin condition. It is an emotional burden. Anxiety and stress are common triggers that cause eczema flare-ups, resulting in more anxiety and stress. The cycle continues. 

Find a way to relax when you are stressed. Practice deep breathing and taking big belly breaths when you feel anxious. Download a guided meditation app or cuddle up with your dog. Our favorite stress reliever is practicing gratitude each morning by writing five things we are thankful for. This has helped reduce our stress levels (and eczema) significantly.