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How to help support eczema relief

Don’t scratch! Learn more about this common skin condition and what steps can help manage it.

Published: March 18, 2024 |8 minute read

Written by: Lauren Arcuri

Illustration of applying a lotion to eczema on the hands.

Have regular struggles with itchy, dry skin? It could be a common form of eczema called atopic dermatitis. This skin condition is caused by an overactive immune system, and it typically causes discolored, scaly patches of skin.1

Eczema is considered a chronic condition, which means that it can get better or worse over time.2 An episode can flare up for a lot of reasons — when the air gets cold and dry, when someone switches detergents or even when life takes a stressful turn.3

So, what are some smart steps to take when a flare-up happens? Read on to discover what dermatologists advise and which products and practices might help.

In this article:

What causes eczema?

An eczema flare-up happens when the immune system goes into overdrive. The skin becomes inflamed and itchy. Personal genetics can play a role here,4 and eczema seems to involve a number of different genes.5 One of those genes causes a deficiency in filaggrin — a skin protein — which makes the skin barrier weaker.6

“Your skin barrier is critical for maintaining healthy, balanced skin,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto.7 “When it is damaged, skin cannot retain moisture, and moisture escapes from the skin.” Dry, damaged skin is more sensitive to irritants, which can cause an itchy outbreak.8

The good news is that eczema is not contagious. You can’t spread it to another person, though it tends to run in families.9 It’s also associated with other allergic health conditions, like hay fever and asthma. If you have those, you’re also more likely to have eczema, according to Dr. Yadav.10

What causes eczema to flare up?

Environmental factors — chemicals and conditions you encounter in your day-to-day life — can cause an eczema flare-up. Some of those include:

  • Dry skin. This is another common cause of eczema flare-ups.11 Dry skin can be the natural result of cold weather, aging or certain medications.12 A regular moisturizing routine is recommended for people with eczema.13

  • Emotional stress. Stress can also trigger an episode, though it’s not fully understood why.14

  • Irritants. Many household products — such as dish soap, household cleansers, laundry detergent, perfume, shampoo, or skin care products15 — can cause an allergic reaction that leads to an eczema episode.16

    Another irritant? Wool, according to Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist and pediatrician at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, CA.17 Other fabrics, like polyester, can also be an irritant in clothing or sheets.18

  • Sweating, changes in humidity and changes in temperature can also trigger flare-ups, according to Dr. Shainhouse.19

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema typically presents as very itchy skin, sometimes with a rash that looks discolored and dry. The rashes may ooze or weep clear fluid or bleed when scratched. Skin may also look thickened and hard.20

If one of these rashes turns up, how can someone tell whether eczema is the cause? A medical provider should be the first person to consult. One of the key things they may look at is where the outbreak is happening. Characteristic spots for eczema outbreaks tend to vary by age.

  • Infants tend to have outbreaks on their cheeks and knees and on the outside of their elbows.21 Learn more about baby eczema signs, causes and treatment options.

  • Kids tend to get them on flexural areas:  in elbow creases, behind the knees and under the neck.22

  • Adults are more likely to have eczema on their arms, eyelids, feet and hands.23

Eczema is more common in infants and children, though it can affect someone at any age, and it’s possible to develop eczema as an adult.24

Eczema vs. psoriasis

Looking at a rash, it can be hard to tell whether it’s eczema or something else, such as psoriasis — another immune-related skin condition. Eczema is more common than psoriasis, but psoriasis affects almost one percent of children, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.25

Psoriasis often occurs on the elbows, knees and scalp, while eczema will affect elbow and knee creases. Psoriasis causes thick, red, scaly patches of skin.26 “The areas affected in psoriasis will be more inflamed than eczema patches,” says Dr. Yadav. “You’ll also see large, silvery ‘scales’ of skin with psoriasis, caused by the over proliferation of skin cells.” Itching in psoriasis is usually mild, while it can be intense in eczema.27

“Both conditions can affect the face, ears, hands, feet and groin/genitals, so it’s important to be examined and managed by a board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Shainhouse.28

Eczema treatment, creams and other options

Eczema treatment should be conducted under the supervision of a health care provider. Management often includes guidance about moisturizing and skin barrier protection and sometimes the topical prescription of anti-inflammatory medications.29

Some management steps can include:

  • Prescription medication. These medicines should be used as directed by a health care provider. Often, topical steroids are used to quickly relieve itchiness and redness in flare-ups.30

    Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter and can help with itchiness and redness, but it should not be used longer than seven days without consulting a health care provider, according to the National Eczema Association.31

    While it can be frustrating when treatments fail, “it’s important to remember that no treatment is one-size-fits-all,” says Dr. Yadav. “What works for a friend’s eczema may not work for yours. You may require more powerful intervention to reduce your symptoms.”

  • Cleansing. Dr. Shainhouse recommends warm (not hot) baths or showers every day. Keep bathing time between 5 and 10 minutes.32

    For bath-time cleansing, consider a moisturizing soap bar, like the Dove Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Beauty Bar, or a fragrance-free33 liquid cleanser, like Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash, Fragrance Free.

  • Moisturizing. Apply a moisturizing product after getting out of the bath or shower and pat dry. People with eczema will want to apply moisturizer two to three times a day. A regular moisturizing routine can help prevent eczema flare-ups, notes Dr. Shainhouse.34 A fragrance-free cream or moisturizer is recommended to avoid irritating the skin. Note that “unscented” moisturizers can still contain a fragrance that can irritate skin.35

Types of products for eczema might include:

Natural support options for eczema

Oatmeal is known for its hydrating and soothing properties, explains Dr. Yadav.38 So over-the-counter products containing colloidal oatmeal can help address discomfort and soothe itchy skin.39 Colloidal oatmeal is found in moisturizers (Eucerin Eczema Relief Full Body Cream) and bath products (Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Soothing Bath Treatment) and can be found alongside oat extracts and other oat-related ingredients.

Natural moisturizers can help support the skin barrier.40 “Look for products with shea butter or coconut oil,” says Dr. Shainhouse.41 Coconut oil can help with moisturizing, and sunflower seed oil may reduce rashes, according to the National Eczema Association.42 And cool compresses can help soothe angry skin, Dr. Yadav adds.43

Some people find relief in wet wrap therapy, which can be done at home but is time intensive. The first step is to apply a moisturizer, then a wet inner layer, then a dry outer layer of cotton bandages or cotton pajamas. A review of studies showed that wet wrap therapy may be an effective option, though evidence is weak at this time.44

Many people with eczema wonder whether nutrition and vitamins can help. “To some degree, yes,” says Dr. Yadav, but they’re not a cure-all. “You want as many anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients in your diet as possible.45 A good source of anti-inflammatories is omega-3s,46 which you’ll find in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel as well as nuts.”47

Lifestyle changes to help manage eczema

One pillar of managing eczema is identifying irritants and avoiding those triggers.48 To start, try switching to fragrance-free products, including laundry detergents, moisturizers and shampoos. That can help to reduce potential irritants and combat flare-ups, explains Dr. Yadav. Wearing loose clothing can help as well. Essential oils should be avoided, because they can trigger contact dermatitis and eczema flare-ups.49

“You’ll also want to try to reduce your stress levels as much as you can,” says Dr. Yadav. “Stress increases inflammation in the body, raising your risk of an eczema flare-up.”50

The bottom line is to figure out whether that rash is eczema or not, then follow a health care provider’s plan. Steps to manage and head off outbreaks are out there — and with proper management, your skin may begin to find relief.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.