National Eczema Awareness Month: Expert Tips from Dr. Marina Peredo

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Enjoy this guest blog from Dr. Marina Peredo

National Eczema Awareness Month: Expert Tips from Dr. Marina Peredo

 

October is National Eczema Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about a condition affecting an estimated fifteen million individuals in the US. Eczema causes dry, itchy patches of skin which can be itchy and embarrassing, so we spoke to Dr. Marina Peredo, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and founder of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, N.Y. to get expert tips on dealing with the unpleasant condition:

 

 

·         Take warm baths instead of hot showers. Warm baths are less drying.

 

·         Adding in Epsom salts will help provide anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

·         The extra bonus? Relaxation! Epsom salt baths help soothe and relax the muscles, so tension is eased. Stress is a major component in eczema flare ups so relaxation is key to managing the problem.

 

·         Using a very gentle cleanser that maintains the skin’s barrier is important. Try Eau Thermale Avene’s Cold Cream Ultra Rich Cleansing Bar. This is the same cleansing bar that is used for all the patients who suffer from atopic dermatitis at the Hydrotherapy Center in Avene, France.

 

·         After bathing, pat the skin dry and avoid rubbing vigorously with a towel. Make sure to apply a highly nourishing and moisturizing product within 3 minutes while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream is specifically formulated for dry, itchy skin.

 

·         Look for moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides, petrolatum and shea butter to help reduce trans-epidermal water loss and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

 

·         Ingredients such as a light amount of an alpha hydroxy acid can help minimize the dry, itchy plaques. Try Cerave SA  Renewing Cream which contains salicylic acid in addition to Vitamin D.

 

·         Look for ointments and creams instead of serums and lotions. Always opt for a fragrance free product.

 

·         Have your Vitamin D levels checked. Recent clinical studies have shown that there may be a link between Vitamin D deficiencies and atopic dermatitis.

 

·         Avoid tight fitting, rough, scratchy clothing. Instead of wool, opt for cotton.

 

·         Visit your dermatologist to determine whether the use of prescription-strength products are necessary to help you manage your eczema.

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