Ways to relieve itchy eczema at home.

What is eczema-prone skin and what does it look like?

Let’s start with the basics, just to make sure we’re all on the same page. Eczema is an inflammatory and itchy skin condition that’s also known by the name atopic dermatitis. It’s actually quite common – affecting up to 30% of Australians at some point in their life.* 

Next – what does eczema-prone skin look like? If you’re someone who experiences eczema-prone skin, you might notice patches of dry, itchy, red and inflamed skin on certain areas of your body. These patches may feel quite dry and scaly, even rough or hard. Areas of the body that are commonly affected include the insides of elbows and behind the knees, as well as the neck, face, wrists, and ankles. These symptoms are the result of problems with the protective barrier that is your outermost layer of skin (called the stratum corneum), which can allow little nasties such as irritants or allergens to get into your skin and make it angry and inflamed.

Another thing to understand about eczema-prone skin is that it’s generally considered to be an ongoing or chronic condition, with symptoms coming and going depending on different factors. While every one’s skin is unique, common triggers for flares can include irritation from scratching, coarse fabrics, cosmetics, or other things that come into contact with your skin, exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, animals, dust mites), changes in temperature or humidity, and sometimes even stress. One very important reason why eczema may get worse is dry skin – which is why daily moisturisation is the absolute key when it comes to keeping eczema-prone skin happy! You can read more about eczema-prone skin here. 

How to care for dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin

Understanding what eczema-prone skin is, is a good start, but it’s also important to know what you need to do to help keep your skin feeling and looking its best. Remember that taking care of your skin’s protective barrier is important with eczema-prone skin. 

Choosing the right body wash

A crucial part of bathing and showering when you have eczema-prone skin is what’s in your body wash – and perhaps more importantly, what’s not in it. So, when choosing a body wash to care for your eczema-prone skin, look for hypoallergenic formulations with gentle, mild cleansers and pH balanced to match that of skin (usually around pH 5 to 6). Then it’s important to avoid ingredients that can cause skin irritation, such as soap and harsh cleansers, perfumes or other fragrances.

For a body wash that ticks all those boxes, reach for DermaVeen Extra Hydration Gentle Soap-Free Wash. This fragrance free, hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, soap-free, and pH balanced cleanser is formulated with colloidal oatmeal to gently cleanse and moisturise to protect the skin’s natural barrier.

Use moisturisers with colloidal oatmeal

Perhaps better known as a delicious breakfast food, oatmeal has become a key player in moisturisers that can help manage eczema-prone skin. So, how does colloidal oatmeal help eczema-prone skin? Colloidal oatmeal is a finely milled powder made from oats – these tiny particles create a protective layer on the surface of your skin. It’s also made up of a bunch of plant chemicals that are good for the skin, including vitamin E, beta glucans, and phenolic compounds, as well as lipids and fatty acids. Together, these substances give colloidal oatmeal its fantastic anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antioxidant properties that help protect and take care of the skin’s protective barrier.

For people with eczema-prone skin, twice-daily moisturisation is recommended to support and protect the skin barrier – helping to lock in moisture and prevent dry skin. A hydrating moisturiser that contains colloidal oatmeal is a great option for daily use on eczema-prone skin. 

For intense nourishment for extra dry and itchy skin, reach for DermaVeen Extra Hydration Intensive Moisturising Lotion. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, this rich lotion hydrates, restores, and protects your skin without feeling greasy. Looking for even more hydration? DermaVeen Extra Hydration Intensive Moisturising Cream is formulated with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter to hydrate, protect, and replenish the skin barrier.

On those occasions when mild eczema flares up, use DermaVeen Sensitive Relief Eczema Lotion, Cream, or Ointment to help relieve itch and soothe irritation while providing a hydrating, protective shield over the skin.

Soak in an oatmeal bath

Now that we’ve established daily moisturisation as your go-to for eczema-prone skin, let’s talk about a couple of important things to know about cleaning your skin.

Dry skin needs moisture. Obvious, right? Well, taking a bath and soaking in water is a good way to help your skin take in moisture – as long as you follow a few key tips! 

Soak and seal – always apply your moisturiser straight away once you’re done soaking to lock in the moisture

• Keep it short – around 10 minutes will help hydrate without causing irritation
• Lukewarm water is best – too hot can also irritate the skin
• Be gentle – avoid scrubbing or rubbing your skin and pat dry
• Soak and seal – always apply your moisturiser straight away once you’re done soaking to lock in the moisture

For added moisture, consider adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath. DermaVeen Sensitive Relief Calmexa Bath Soak is a soap-free formulation with colloidal oatmeal to soothe, hydrate, and restore extra dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.

Avoid things that might trigger your eczema-prone skin

Our last tip for managing your skin might seem obvious but it’s still an important one! And that is to avoid things that you know – or that you think might – trigger a flare of dry, itchy skin. As discussed above, these triggers will be different for everyone, but they may relate to things that irritate your skin when you come into contact with them. A few examples include sitting on the grass or carpet, wearing certain fabrics, using new or different cosmetics, or playing with animals. Other potential triggers to avoid may include certain foods, changes in temperature or humidity, and stressful situations.

*Eczema Association Australasia. Understanding eczema (eczema.org.au/understanding-eczema/). 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

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