Seven ways to prevent eczema flare-ups in winter

Australia has one of the highest incidences of eczema in the world, according to dermatologists. This Eczema Awareness Week, May 13-19, naturopath Caroline Robertson shares top tips to combat eczema.

Source: Getty Images

Eczema is a complex disease which affects the skin, causing itching, dry and cracked skin, hives, blotches, redness. It can be infected by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and viruses such as the cold sore virus.

“Eczema can develop for a number of reasons, including climate, lifestyle, hygiene and genetics and can become easily infected, causing pain, inflammation and lack of sleep,” says Caroline Robertson, naturopath at Flannerys Organic & Wholefood Market.

“It isn’t contagious and, frustratingly, there is no single factor which causes an eczema flare-up. It can be kept well-managed, but it is often stressful and costly to get under control,” adds Caroline.

Seven tips to fight ezcema

Watch your diet

Reduce or avoid sugar and yeast, instead opt for oily fish, vitamin A and E rich foods and omega-3 rich foods like flaxseeds and walnuts. It can also help if you keep a food diary to track when flare-ups occur.

Healthy fat source. Top view with copy space Source: iStockphoto

Try supplements

Take skin strengthening vitamin B supplements such as B Complex. it can also help if omega fatty acids, hemp oil and fish oils are increased. Probiotics with the lactobacillus rhamnosus strain is also great.

Source: Insight

Avoid irritants

Harsh soaps, foaming agents, fragrances and preservatives in skincare or washing detergents are best avoided.

Bubbles on a bar of soap Source: RooM RF

Turn the heat down

Reduce the heat of the shower, as it strips natural oils from the skin and further irritates it. Instead, bath in lukewarm water and add Himalayan rock salt.

Himalayan salt bath Source: SBS

Keep skin moist

Apply fragrance-free products straight after bathing that include calming ingredients such as shea butter, calendula, lavender, oatmeal and liquorice.

Asian women are applying cream and lotion to her face after bathing in the bathroom. Source: iStockphoto

Look after your gut health

Often any issue occurring in the gut can reflect itself in our skin, so following on from the above, you can also look to increase your gut friendly foods such as nourishing bone broth & probiotics.

husband drinking orange fresh juice smoothie while wife prefers buttermilk yogurt for good digestion, beverage in healthy eating Source: iStockphoto

Seek medical help if necessary

Make sure to consult a healthcare professional if the issue persists, they can also assist in identifying environmental, dietary or other allergens that may be contributing to your skin problem.

Getting help: Talk to your GP Source: Getty images

 

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