There are many challenging conditions that we live with, and eczema is likely among the most troublesome. Affecting about 2.6 percent of the population, eczema can flare up when you least expect it and cause significant embarrassment. While the condition usually starts in childhood, people of any age can be affected.

With October being National Eczema Awareness Month, it’s the perfect moment for us to get a better grasp of this condition. Understanding what causes and triggers it is the first step towards controlling it. Whether it’s yourself or a loved one dealing with this condition, Dr. Ariel Ostad can offer the guidance you need to keep the flare-ups at a minimum. 

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to feel itchy, dry, and inflamed, flaring up and subsiding based on specific triggers. Atopic dermatitis is the most common eczema form, but it can also be found as contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic, or nummular eczema. There’s no understood cause for eczema, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Thus, eczema flares are a result of an overactive immune system, dry skin, a genetic predisposition, and surrounding triggers. Those with eczema usually do not have a strong skin barrier, making it easier to be affected by allergens and irritants. Eczema can be triggered by something as simple as soap, fabric, food, or even heat and sweat.

How to Treat Eczema 

Eczema is a rather unpredictable condition that usually remains dormant in your body until the right trigger comes around. Having said that, we’ve established that flare-ups happen as a result of a weak skin barrier, so the best way to keep it under control is to strengthen it. There are multiple ways for you to do so, including: 

1. Medical-Grade Skincare

Unlike OTC skincare, medical-grade skincare features more active agents and is meant to heal your skin gradually. These high-quality products often have anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and skin barrier-strengthening properties. They can maintain health and reduce potential flare-ups when added to a skincare routine. 

2. Prescription Medication

If you have chronic or widespread eczema, Dr. Ostad may recommend the oral approach, prescribing a series of systemic medications. Depending on what’s triggering your condition, this can include antihistamines, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants. This treatment route is generally recommended for severe eczema cases where the skin does not respond to medical-grade skincare. 

Tips to Reduce Eczema Flares

You may have tried every treatment on the map, but preventative measures are also recommended to reduce flare-ups. Below are some strategies you should keep in mind: 

• Take lukewarm showers, as hot water can dry the skin and strip it of natural oils
• Keep the skin hydrated using a fragrance-free moisturizer, as fragrances can be irritating
• Use hypoallergenic products that are gentle and fragrance-free (whether it’s skincare or house care)
• Wear breathable materials made from natural fabric like cotton while avoiding synthetic materials and wool
• Identify what usually causes your eczema flare-ups in the first place, and try avoiding the triggers as much as possible
• Try to stay cool as much as you can because sweat can be a trigger for eczema

The slightest modifications to your lifestyle can make a significant difference, so take note of what usually makes your eczema worse.

Book Your Consultation Today!

While there may be no lifelong cure for eczema, you can keep the symptoms under control to the point where they no longer bother you. With National Eczema Awareness Month here, you are bound to find many effective treatments that will offer you some relief. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Ariel Ostad and start treating your eczema!

For more information about eczema and the right treatments, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. We can offer you all the details you need to keep your eczema under control. As an alternative, you can fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.