12 Tips for Managing Eczema or Psoriasis Flare-Ups
Now and again, and usually at the most inconvenient of times, our skin can have a flare-up. Eczema or psoriasis flare-ups involve symptoms suddenly worsening. Thankfully, these periods are usually temporary, and often only last a few days. These flare-ups can often be connected to a trigger. The most common skin condition triggers are diet, stress, and environmental factors.
How to Avoid Eczema + Psoriasis Flare-Ups
Moisturise Regularly
One of the most important steps in preventing psoriasis + eczema flare-ups is to keep your skin moisturised. Dry skin can lead to itching and irritation, which can trigger eczema symptoms. Use a fragrance-free moisturiser at least twice a day, and apply it immediately after bathing or showering to lock in moisture. Look for moisturisers that contain ingredients like ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. We recommend Childs Farm.
Avoid triggers such as Harsh Soaps and Detergents
Harsh soaps and detergents can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation, which can trigger psoriasis + eczema flare-ups. To prevent this, use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and detergents when washing your skin and clothing. Look for products that are labeled as hypoallergenic or designed for sensitive skin. You may also want to consider using a laundry detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances.
Wear Soft, Breathable Fabrics
Clothing can also play a role in preventing psoriasis + eczema flare-ups. Avoid wearing rough, scratchy fabrics like wool or synthetic materials that can irritate the skin. Instead, opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. Loose-fitting clothing can also help prevent irritation and allow the skin to breathe. You should also be mindful of any clothing or accessories that may rub against the skin, such as tight waistbands or jewelry, as this can also trigger flare-ups.
Manage Stress Levels
Stress causes inflammation which can lead to a flare-up. Try baths, exercise walks outdoors, yoga, and calming meditation. If your skin condition is causing you to have periods of anxiety or even depression, discuss it with your doctor. You may also find it helpful to find an online support group. Exercise can also be a great stress reliever, but be sure to shower and moisturize afterward to prevent sweat from irritating the skin. Make sure to get enough sleep and take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
Use Prescribed Medications as Directed
If you have been prescribed medication for your eczema or psoriasis, it’s important to use it as directed by your doctor. This may include applying topical creams or ointments, taking oral medications, or using light therapy. Skipping doses or using medication inconsistently can lead to flare-ups and make it harder to manage your skin condition. If you have concerns about your medication or are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Other Tips for Handling a Psoriasis or Eczema Flare-Up
- Stay Positive- Good mental well-being is essential when handling any health condition. Remember this is temporary, you are healing. While living with psoriasis can be challenging, it's essential to maintain a positive outlook and not allow the condition to define your life. One way to cultivate positivity is to focus on the things you can control. While you may not be able to cure psoriasis, you can take steps to manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. It's essential to remember that psoriasis does not define who you are as a person. You are more than your skin. Focus on your strengths, hobbies, and passions, and try not to let psoriasis hold you back from living the life you want.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet- This will ensure you have the foundation for healing, and that you have optimal physical and mental health. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps avoid flare-ups.
- Self Care- A consistent self-care schedule is key for tackling eczema or psoriasis. A salt bath can be very effective. You could even add an Essential Oil for even more benefits. Self-care is a crucial component of maintaining overall well-being. It is the intentional practice of taking care of yourself, in all aspects of life, including physical, emotional, and mental health. It is important to realise that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. With the busy and hectic lifestyles that many people lead, including self-care practices in your daily routine can improve your overall quality of life. Self-care can take many different forms, and it looks different for everyone. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or as involved as scheduling a weekly massage. Other common self-care practices include exercise, socialising, healthy eating, meditation, getting enough sleep, and spending time in nature.
- Heal from the Inside- Make sure you continue with your supplement schedule & plan healthy meals. Avoid foods that are commonly linked to flare-ups: sugar, gluten, red meat, dairy, and processed foods. Try The Elimination Diet to discover which food groups worsen your symptoms.
- Avoid Vices- Alcohol and cigarettes are the absolute last thing your skin needs during a flare-up! We recommend abstaining from alcohol altogether during flare-up periods, and slowly re-introducing drinking once your skin is looking better. A good deal of eczema and psoriasis sufferers have also had positive results from quitting smoking. If this is something you find difficult, especially during a stressful flare-up, reducing how much you smoke will also help.
- Seek Professional Help- If your skin is getting you down, you don’t have to cope alone. Speak to your doctor or a medical professional. Typically, you will start with a topical treatment. If that isn’t effective enough, your doctor may suggest light therapy (also known as phototherapy). This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light. This can help reduce inflammation and slow the growth of skin cells. Light therapy can be done at home with a special lamp or in a doctor's office. The final option, for more severe/persistent psoriasis, is biological/systematic treatment. Systemic medications, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, are taken orally or by injection and work throughout the body to reduce inflammation.
- Prepare for Harsh Weather- Always wear SPF, a sunburn can cause or worsen a flare-up. Cold weather often causes flare-ups for eczema and psoriasis sufferers, because the dry air causes itching and inflammation. The heating can dry out the skin further, so pay more attention to moisturising in Winter. A dehumidifier can help. Our article- How to Create an Eczema-Friendly Home, may be useful.
- Review- The first step in managing psoriasis + eczema flare-ups is to identify triggers. Common triggers include stress, cold weather, dry skin, infections, and certain medications. What changes have you made that could be linked to this flare-up? Too much alcohol, a poor diet, or a new product could be to blame. Keep a diary, and record how your skin is, how you feel, your diet, etc, and you will eventually be able to make connections. You could even use an app if you find it easier.
- Clean- Have a good clean of anything that regularly comes into contact with your skin. This could be your bedsheets, make-up brushes, mobile phone, etc. Many of these are easily forgotten and could harbour germs which are irritating your skin and cause allergies. Cleaning will also help improve your mood.
- Avoid Scratching- Easier said than done, but you must try to resist scratching if you have bad eczema or psoriasis flare-ups. Scratching risks breaking the skin, which will not only make your symptoms worse but can lead to scarring or infection. Keep nails short and wear gloves at night to prevent scratching while sleeping. Use a cold compress or anti-itch cream to relieve itching.
