eczema lifestyle tips for patients

Overview

Eczema is a skin condition that makes your skin dry, itchy, and easily irritated. It often shows up as red or darker patches that can feel rough or sore. It is not contagious, so you can’t catch it from someone else.

Yes, eczema is very common. It affects millions of people around the world, and it can start at any age.

Anyone can get eczema, but it often begins in early childhood. Many children outgrow it or have milder symptoms as they get older, though some people continue to have it as adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Itching that may be intense, especially at night
• Red or darker patches on the skin
• Rough, leathery, or scaly areas
• Small raised bumps or fluid-filled blisters that can ooze or crust

Symptoms in children

• Rashes often appear on the face, scalp, elbows, and knees
• Children may scratch so much that their skin bleeds or becomes infected
• Poor sleep due to itching and discomfort

Symptoms in older adults

• Skin often feels dry and scaly, especially on the hands and arms
• Rashes may cover larger areas and can be more stubborn
• Skin may thicken and become hard from long-term scratching

Causes

Main causes

• A problem with the skin barrier that lets moisture escape and irritants get in
• An overactive immune response that causes inflammation and itching
• Genetics, so having a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma makes you more likely to develop it

Risk factors

• Having asthma, hay fever, or food allergies
• Living in a dry, cold, or polluted environment
• Using harsh soaps, detergents, or fragrances on your skin
• Stress, sweating, or rapid temperature changes
• Wearing rough or scratchy fabrics, like wool

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you see signs of a skin infection, like oozing, crusting, red streaks, or a fever
• If the rash suddenly gets much worse or is very painful

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have an itchy rash that does not improve after a few weeks of self-care
• If the itching interferes with your day-to-day life or sleep

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms, your family history, and any allergies. They may ask what makes the itching worse and what you have tried so far.

Tests that may be done

• Sometimes allergy tests are recommended to check for food or environmental triggers
• Occasionally a patch test is done to see if your skin reacts to certain materials or chemicals
• In rare cases, a small sample of skin (a biopsy) is taken to rule out other conditions

What to expect at your appointment

There is no single test that confirms eczema. The doctor will work with you to understand your skin and create a plan. You may be referred to a skin specialist (dermatologist) if needed.

Treatment

There is no cure for eczema, but treatment aims to moisturize the skin, control flare-ups, and prevent infections. Most treatment plans start with good daily skin care and avoiding triggers.

Self-care at home

• Moisturize at least twice a day, using a thick cream or ointment without perfume or dyes
• Take short, lukewarm baths and gently pat your skin dry, then apply moisturizer within a few minutes
• Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers instead of regular soap
• Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wool or rough materials
• Keep your fingernails short to reduce scratching damage
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms to keep the air from drying out your skin

Medical treatments

Doctors can prescribe treatments that reduce inflammation and calm the skin. These may come as creams or ointments that you apply to the affected areas, or other types of medication that work in the body. You may also be offered light therapy, where your skin is carefully exposed to a special kind of light. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for the specific advice that is right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat eczema.

Living with this condition

Eczema can be frustrating, but a steady routine makes a big difference. Try to make moisturizing a habit, like brushing your teeth. Learn what triggers your flare-ups and do your best to avoid those triggers. Remember to be kind to yourself – some days will be better than others.

Lifestyle tips

• Moisturize every day, even when your skin looks clear
• After bathing, lock in moisture within three minutes
• Choose gentle, fragrance-free skin products
• Dress in soft, loose clothing in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes
• Keep your home comfortable – not too hot and not too dry
• Manage stress with activities like breathing exercises, short walks, or talking to someone you trust
• Distract yourself when you feel the urge to scratch, like sitting on your hands or doing something with your hands

Diet and exercise

There is no one diet that works for everyone with eczema. Some people notice certain foods make their skin worse, but this is not true for everyone. If you think a food is a trigger, keep a food diary and talk to your doctor about allergy testing. Regular exercise is good for your health and can reduce stress, but it can also make you sweat, which may irritate your skin. Exercise in a cool environment, shower gently afterward, and moisturize when your skin is still slightly damp.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with itchy, uncomfortable skin can take a toll on your mood and self-esteem. It is completely normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or down when your eczema flares. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. You can also reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis line in your area – people do care and want to help.

Prevention

Eczema itself cannot always be prevented, especially if it runs in your family. But you can often prevent or reduce flare-ups by following a good skin-care routine and avoiding things that trigger your eczema.

Vaccines

There is no specific vaccine for eczema. However, staying up to date with your routine vaccines helps protect your overall health and reduces the risk of infections that could make eczema worse.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for eczema, but if you or your child have symptoms, an early appointment with a doctor is the best way to get a clear diagnosis and start a care plan.

Complications

If left untreated

• Skin infections, when bacteria get into broken, scratched skin
• Sleep problems from constant itching
• Thickened, leathery skin from long-term scratching (lichenification)
• Emotional stress, low confidence, and anxiety from living with a visible condition

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. Though eczema is a long-term condition, most people manage it successfully with the right routine and support. With time, you will learn what works for your skin, and many people find their symptoms improve significantly as they get older.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.