Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, makes the skin itchy, dry, and inflamed. Although the development of this condition is common in young children, it can affect one at any age. Furthermore, it is chronic and tends to flare up whenever triggered. Some of the most common triggers are dry skin, stress, skin infections, cleaning products, sweat, mold, dust mites, and pollen. Read on to learn more about the mistakes that can make eczema worse.

4 common mistakes that could make eczema worse

Choosing the wrong moisturizers
One of the best ways to manage eczema and its associated symptoms is to keep the skin moisturized. But choosing the right kind of moisturizer for the condition is easier said than done. Most moisturizers can be found in two forms – creams and lotions. In the case of eczema, one must use non-scented creams and ointments instead of lotions. Scented products contain harsh allergens and must be avoided, while creams contain high amounts of oil to trap moisture in the skin.

Taking hot showers and baths
While showering or bathing in hot water can be relaxing, it can adversely affect eczema-prone skin. This is because excessively hot water is a common eczema trigger. So, to avoid flare-ups, one must not shower for longer than 10 minutes with hot water. Instead, it’s suggested that one use warm water to prevent skin dryness and irritation. Besides this, one must ensure bathroom hygiene. One must wash their whole body with water and soap to eliminate bacteria or allergens lingering on the skin. However, people with eczema must use non-scented, hypoallergenic soaps to ensure the skin’s delicate balance doesn’t get upturned.

Using too many anti-aging products
Beauty products, especially those containing retinol, can frequently cause the development of eczema. This component dries out the skin, and the overuse of retinol or products containing harsh chemicals can cause unwanted skin reactions. So, to counter this issue, most healthcare professionals suggest patients avoid the products for a few weeks. This means one must use non-soap cleansers to wash the affected areas. Then, one can follow it up with a coating of hydrating creams and ointments.

Scratching the itch
A common mistake that is made by most eczema patients is scratching the affected areas during bouts of itchiness. This can be further aggravated when the patients’ skin comes in contact with potential irritants like detergent residue on clothes. Scratching makes matters worse by leading to the opening up of infection susceptible wounds in the area.

That said, stopping the patients from scratching can be difficult. So, one can alternatively try gently pinching the skin near the affected area for momentary relief. If that does not work, patients can apply wet cloths or wet dressings to the area, which can effectively relieve the itch by holding in the moisture.