Have eczema? Read on to hear about my battle with the skin disorder + recommendations on how to alleviate eczema!
My Personal Experience with Eczema
I was a baby when I had my first eczema flare up. My parents woke up to their one-year-old infant, covered in hives. They immediately took me to the hospital where the doctor explained to them I had an allergic reaction to pollen – erupting in eczema was my bodies autoimmune response.
Statistically, there is a large percentage of children who outgrow eczema with age. Every spring, I am hopeful that I too, will outgrow eczema. I tell myself “this will be the year” I won’t have to slather myself in moisturizer 2x per day, feel the burning sensation on my skin after I put on ointment, and wake up with puffy eyes, that look like I’ve been crying for weeks.
When I have a flare up, I am extremely self-conscious. I feel like everyone is staring at the bumps on my face. Often, the makeup I use to cover it makes it worse and it burns so much 🙁 I often go makeupless because the pain is too much.
Last week, DC had two days of warm weather and I broke out in hives. So, 2018 is not the year I outgrow Atopic eczema but I am hopeful 2019 might be!
Eczema Recommendations
Last week, I posted an Instagram story asking you darlings for recommendations on how to combat my eczema. I was touched by how many of you reached out and shared your personal experiences with me – it means so much! I put together a list of the different suggestions I received so that you can try them as well!
- Coconut Oil
- Aveeno Eczema Cream
- Rodan + Fields Soothe Collection
- Local Honey – The bees gathered the same pollen that gives you eczema, so somehow it works! Important note — the honey needs to be local!!
- Aquaphor
- Elidel – prescribed by doctor/dermatologist
- Jojoba Oil
- Cordran Lotion – prescribed by doctor/dermatologist
- Tatcha Indigo Soothing Triple Recovery Cream – I used this last spring and it ’twas amazing. The was a bit scared by the price tag but the indigo calmed my skin and was well worth it!!
- XYZAL – I use this and it definitely helps!
Other tips –
- Bathe & moisturize daily (soak and seal)
- Don’t take long extra hot showers or baths
- Don’t wear itchy fabrics that may irritate your skin
The Soak and Seal Method
If you have eczema, you are probably aware of the soak and seal method. If you’re not then you NEED to read on! The soak and seal method is amazing for restoring moisture to your skin! The best way to replace moisture in the skin is to soak in a bath or take a shower and then moisturize immediately afterward.
Instructions to Soak and Seal:
- Take a bath using lukewarm (not hot) water for five to 10 minutes. Use a gentle cleanser (no soaps) and avoid scrubbing the affected skin.
- After bathing, pat the skin lightly with a towel leaving it slightly damp.
- Apply topical prescription medication to the affected areas of skin as directed.
- Within three minutes, liberally apply a moisturizer all over the body. It’s important to apply the moisturizer within three minutes, or the skin may become even drier.
- Wait a few minutes to let the moisturizer absorb into the skin before dressing or applying wet wraps.
If you have any other suggestions, I am always on the lookout for new products to help my spring eczema!!
I was diagnosed with eczema when I was 25 and since then I’ve been dealing with this disease. For me, it has been really difficult to find a treatment that worked for my type of skin and eczema. The treatment that has helped me to heal my eczema is foderma, I recommend it.
I have had eczema flareups on my face for years and have had many issues finding something that not only worked but worked quickly. It’s really hard finding a product that is both safe and effective to use on your face (especially around the eye area), but foderma serum is a miracle worker. There is a very noticeable difference in the skin just within 24 hours of using it. I’ve put it directly on the eyelids without any irritation or negative effects. If you struggle with eczema on your face I’d strongly recommend using foderma. Save yourself the trip to the dermatologist!