Table of contents:
- Various ways to prevent eczema recurrence
- 1. Food allergy triggers
- 2. Bathing too long
- 3. Bathing with water that is too hot
- 4. Scratching the problematic skin area
- 5. Using hygiene products contains a lot of chemicals
- 6. Clothing made of wool or synthetic materials
The cause of eczema (atopic dermatitis) which is not known with certainty makes this skin disease difficult to prevent. Even so, you can prevent a recurrence of eczema by avoiding dietary restrictions, habits, and lifestyle that may aggravate eczema symptoms.
Various ways to prevent eczema recurrence
Without realizing it, food intake and habits that you do daily can worsen eczema symptoms. Eczema, which initially only causes itching, gradually gets more inflamed until the symptoms become unbearable.
Once the symptoms of eczema are severe, sufferers usually find it more difficult to stop scratching. Eczema may also recur more frequently because you continue to scratch without realizing it. This can lead to stress and complications such as infection with eczema.
One of the mainstay ways to prevent eczema is to avoid abstinence. Here are various restrictions for eczema sufferers.
1. Food allergy triggers
Quoted from National Eczema Association, about 30% of people with eczema (atopic dermatitis) are also allergic to certain types of food. Food allergies are known to be closely related to eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and depression.
For some allergy sufferers, eating even a small amount of allergenic foods can cause severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. On the other hand, some do not experience an allergic reaction, but instead experience symptoms of eczema on the skin.
It is not yet known what kind of link between food allergies and eczema Even so, avoiding certain types of food for eczema sufferers is believed to help relieve symptoms that appear.
A number of foods that can trigger recurrences so that they are taboo for many eczema sufferers, including:
- cow's milk and its products (yogurt, cheese, butter, etc.),
- soybeans and their products,
- gluten or wheat,
- spices such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon,
- several types of nuts,
- several types of fish and shellfish,
- eggs, as well
- tomato.
Foods with artificial preservatives such as margarine, processed foods, and fast food can also trigger a recurrence of eczema. In addition, eczema sufferers need to limit foods high in sugar because it can cause inflammation in the body.
Foods that are taboo for eczema sufferers should not always be avoided, unless you have allergies. These foods do not directly cause eczema, but they can trigger symptoms and should be limited.
2. Bathing too long
Bathing is actually one of the easiest ways to restore skin moisture. However, showering for too long, for example for more than fifteen minutes, can actually dry out your skin.
Dry skin is one of the most commonly reported triggers of eczema and irritation. When you shower, the water and the chemicals from the soap bind the sebum and wash it away. Sebum is a natural oil that keeps the skin moisturised.
The skin actually loses natural oils that keep it dry and irritated. The longer you shower, the more your skin's natural moisture will be eroded. Therefore, bathing for too long is a taboo that sufferers of eczema should avoid.
The ideal bath time according to experts is 5 minutes. The length of time only includes washing the body and using soap. So, that doesn't include washing your face, brushing your teeth, and so on.
3. Bathing with water that is too hot
Bathing with warm water does provide peace. In fact, warm water can help reduce itching in eczema sufferers even if only temporarily. However, bathing in water that is too hot can actually worsen eczema symptoms.
Water that is too hot will dry out your skin. Dry skin is the main trigger of eczema. Even in extremely hot temperatures, bathing can cause serious burns.
You can take a warm shower every now and then to relieve itching, but make sure the temperature doesn't go above your body temperature (37 degrees Celsius). Just shower as needed and don't take too long so that the skin doesn't dry out.
4. Scratching the problematic skin area
Scratching problematic skin is one of the main taboos for eczema sufferers. However, this may be difficult because the itching from eczema is sometimes so severe that the sufferer can scratch involuntarily.
The skin that is constantly scratched will become cracked, appear thickened, and may even bleed. This condition not only worsens symptoms and causes stress to sufferers, but can also lead to infection in eczema.
To prevent this, try to divert the urge to scratch by gently pinching the skin around the area where the eczema appears. Do not pinch the affected skin directly, as this can cause pain.
You can also apply a cold compress to the skin with a washcloth soaked in cold water. Hold it on the skin for a few minutes until the itching subsides. After that, dry the compressed skin and don't forget to use a moisturizer.
5. Using hygiene products contains a lot of chemicals
Personal hygiene products like soap and shampoo sometimes contain lots of chemicals that can worsen eczema symptoms. The chemicals in it strip the skin of its natural oils, which are supposed to keep the skin moisturized.
These various chemicals usually act as coloring agents, fragrances, or preservatives. There are also other chemicals such as alcohol, parabens, and formaldehyde that can irritate the skin and have the potential to trigger contact dermatitis.
If you have eczema, it's best to avoid cleaning products containing perfume and similar ingredients. As much as possible, choose products made from soft ingredients or those made from natural ingredients such as oatmeal colloid to repair the skin layer.
6. Clothing made of wool or synthetic materials
One more way to prevent eczema recurrence is to pay attention to the clothes you use. Many eczema sufferers have a relapse when wearing clothes made of wool or synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester.
These ingredients make the skin heat up, sweaty, and prone to irritation. Coarse lint fibers such as those found in wool are also less suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Therefore, these clothing materials are taboo for people with eczema. Cotton and rayon are preferred. They both absorb sweat effectively, keep skin cool, and allow skin to 'breathe'.
Food intake, certain habits, and clothing materials have a big role in eczema recurrence. Eczema may not be cured by avoiding these abstinence, but at least you can prevent symptoms.
Prevention efforts should also be accompanied by treatment for eczema. Try to consult a doctor so that you get the right treatment.
