Eczema: How to Manage Symptoms and Prevent Flare-Ups

Eczema is a common skin condition that can cause dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Although it can be uncomfortable and sometimes persistent, proper skincare and appropriate medical treatment can help many people manage their symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Eczema can affect people of all ages, including babies and children. The condition is not contagious, so it cannot be spread from one person to another.

Because triggers and symptoms vary from person to person, learning what affects your skin is an important part of managing eczema.

1. Identify Your Triggers
Certain things can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups.

Common triggers include:

• Fragranced soaps and skincare products
• Detergents
• Dust and other irritants
• Heat and sweating
• Stress
• Certain fabrics
• Cold or very dry weather
• Sudden changes in temperature

Keeping track of when flare-ups occur may help you identify patterns and avoid triggers that affect your skin.

2. Moisturise Regularly

Keeping the skin moisturised is one of the most important parts of eczema care.
Use a fragrance-free moisturiser or emollient regularly, particularly after bathing. Creams and ointments are often more effective at retaining moisture than lighter lotions.

Apply moisturiser gently rather than rubbing irritated skin aggressively.

3. Choose Gentle Skincare Products

People with eczema often have sensitive skin.

Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid products that cause burning, stinging or irritation.

Laundry products can also matter. Using a gentle detergent and ensuring clothes are thoroughly rinsed may help reduce irritation for people who are sensitive to detergent residue.

4. Take Short, Lukewarm Baths or Showers

Very hot water can dry out the skin and may make eczema symptoms worse.

Instead, take short baths or showers using lukewarm water. Afterward, gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp.

5. Follow Prescribed Treatment

Depending on the severity of eczema, a healthcare professional may recommend treatments such as topical corticosteroids or other prescription medicines.

These treatments can reduce inflammation and itching when used correctly.

Do not use prescription creams more frequently or for longer than recommended. If you are unsure how to use a treatment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

6. Try Not to Scratch

Eczema can cause intense itching, but repeated scratching can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
Keeping fingernails short can reduce skin damage.

Cool compresses may also provide temporary relief from itching.
Soft, breathable clothing can help reduce irritation, particularly during a flare-up.

7. Pay Attention to Stress and Sleep

Stress does not cause every case of eczema, but it can worsen symptoms for some people.

Getting adequate rest and finding healthy ways to manage stress may help some people cope better with flare-ups.

Activities such as gentle exercise, relaxation exercises and hobbies can be useful additions to an overall wellbeing routine.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Speak with a healthcare professional if eczema:

• Is severe or painful
• Is affecting sleep or daily activities
• Does not improve with basic skincare
• Keeps returning frequently
• Develops signs of infection

Signs of a possible skin infection can include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, crusting or worsening pain.

A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Living With Eczema

There is currently no single treatment that permanently cures eczema for everyone, but the condition can often be managed with consistent skincare, trigger avoidance and appropriate medical treatment.

Understanding what affects your skin and seeking professional advice when symptoms become difficult to control can make living with eczema much easier.