Eczema is a skin condition in which patches of the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough. It starts with rashes which are usually itchy but are not contagious, and may be light or dark in colour. Eczema will lead to very dry skin but can be managed by avoiding common habits:

Scratching your skin: Scratching or rubbing your skin when you have eczema only escalates it by causing more itching, irritation and redness. To reduce itching, keep away from costume jewellery, tight clothes and wool or polyester fabrics.

Using harsh chemicals: During the course of a day, you probably come across more harsh chemicals than you realise. From laundry detergent to shampoo, there’s something lurking in the ingredient list that can potentially irritate the skin. Always read the back label of your products to see what ingredients are used then do your research on any ingredient that doesn’t sound familiar to you. Generally, try to stay away from chemical preservatives, fragrances and sulfates. Some natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, both found in our Ivory Butter (Coconut), are great for treating eczema. More so, when doing laundry, double rinse your clothes to prevent any leftover chemicals from transferring to your skin.

Exposing your skin to high heat: Hot temperatures will strip the skin of its natural oils and constant exposure will cause the skin to become dehydrated. Try to avoid being in hot areas for long periods of time and don’t shower or take baths with very hot water.

Drinking and eating certain things: Alcohol, caffeine, salty and spicy foods are among the things which consumed in excess, may lead to dehydration on the inside and outside. Limit your consumption of these things and you could be on your way to eczema-free skin.

Are you dealing with eczema? What steps are you taking to deal with this condition? Let us know.