While cozy sweaters and warm drinks are welcome additions to the season, eczema flare-ups can make this time of year less enjoyable for some. The drop in temperature and humidity can strip the skin of moisture, exacerbating the dryness, itching, and irritation that eczema sufferers know all too well. Understanding eczema and its triggers is the first step in managing this condition as cooler weather rolls in.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, scaly, red patches to appear on the face and body. More than 31 million Americans have it. About 10-20% of children have it, but nearly half outgrow it by adulthood, although they may have mild periodic cases throughout life.
What Causes Eczema?
We don’t know the exact cause of eczema. What we do know is that people typically develop eczema as a result of genes and environmental factors. People with eczema often report other sensitivity conditions like asthma and hay fever (seasonal allergies). There are multiple inherent factors involved including skin barrier disruption, imbalance of the skin’s microbiome, and immune dysregulation. Environmental factors such as cold or dry weather, contact with sensitizers such as fragrances, dyes, or preservatives, and stress all play a huge role. Research has found that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can increase body inflammation and worsen eczema.
How is it Different From "Dry Skin"?
Eczema is an inflammatory process where dry skin is a trigger. They both can appear similar on the surface, but dry skin is relieved with moisturizers or environmental changes whereas eczema often requires medicated creams and treatments. In eczema, there’s a disruption of the skin barrier with inflammation that can cause oozing and crusting putting one at risk of secondary infections.
I have a dedicated YouTube video on how to repair the skin barrier, linked below!
What Are Some At-Home Remedies?
While eczema often requires medicated treatments, I believe in a few at-home remedies for relief. One is hypochlorous acid. Since eczema compromises the skin's ability to protect against bacteria and viruses, it frequently becomes secondarily colonized by microorganisms. I’ve found medicated products like Skin Smart’s Eczema spray with hypochlorous acid to be helpful in healing eczema faster. It targets the majority of organisms that commonly colonize eczema patches, and it's gentle enough for all skin types. Hypochlorous acid is effective in targeting the microorganisms that aggravate eczema, but addressing inflammation and hydration is equally important. This is where another powerful ingredient comes in: colloidal oatmeal.
Colloidal oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin. It’s been proven to reduce redness and itching, providing relief from the discomfort of eczema. It’s also very moisturizing and forms a protective barrier on the skin that helps retain moisture. This barrier helps prevent water loss, keeping the skin hydrated, in turn reducing dryness and strengthening the skin barrier which is a common issue in eczema. The anti-itch properties of colloidal oatmeal can be particularly beneficial in managing the intense itching associated with eczema, helping to break the itch-scratch cycle. Using creams or lotions containing colloidal oatmeal or bathing in it as part of eczema patients daily skincare routine can help manage this chronic condition. While colloidal oatmeal helps soothe inflammation and repair the skin barrier, there’s also a need to lock in moisture and provide additional protection. That’s where Vaseline or petroleum jelly comes in as an essential, simple at-home option.
Vaseline or petroleum jelly is often recommended for managing eczema as an occlusive agent, forming a thick barrier over the skin. As we know, eczema is a disruption of the skin barrier, so adding an extra protective layer (aka - Vaseline) helps lock in moisture and prevent water loss, which is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and managing symptoms. By forming a protective layer, Vaseline shields the skin from irritants, allergens, and environmental factors that can worsen eczema. It's gentle, non-irritating, and unlikely to cause a reaction, making it ideal for eczema patches and sensitive skin.
When Should I See A Doctor?
If over-the-counter remedies and emollient creams don’t effectively manage your eczema, medicated treatments may be necessary. For severe or persistent symptoms, it's best to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Dr. Azi’s Product Recommendations for Eczema:
Skin Smart’s Eczema Spray: with hypochlorous acid to aid in healing eczema by targeting the micro-organisms that colonize eczema patches. Gentle and tolerated by all skin types.
Soothe HC: An anti-inflammatory medicated cream with aloe vera and hydrocortisone designed to improve irritation, rashes, itchiness, and skin inflammation.
Cerave Healing Ointment: Protects and hydrates skin to help recover from cracked or extremely dry skin.
Intense Recovery Complex: Four essential Ceramide Complex restores and strengthens skin barrier function and maintains hydration. Clinically formulated to reduce inflammation and redness.
Soothe Cleanser: A sulfate-free Cleanser to gently cleanse, hydrate, and reduce irritation without over-drying it.
