Affordable itchy skin solutions for eczema sufferers


If you’re dealing with eczema, it’s likely you’re also contending with dry, itchy skin. “With eczema, the skin barrier isn't working as it should,” says Cheryl Talent, President of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc. “As well as protecting from allergens and irritations, the skin barrier is an important part of controlling the body temperature.”
When your skin barrier is compromised with eczema, it can’t produce as many fats and oils as it requires to regulate the skin barrier and protect the skin from irritants and bacteria. This is where that dry, itchy skin comes in.
As we head into the warmer months, when the symptoms of eczema can be even more prevalent, it can often feel as if attempting to treat dry, itchy skin is completely futile for eczema sufferers. “There are a number of triggers which can cause eczema to flare during [warmer weather], such as pollens, grasses, the heat or humidity and shedding pet fur. Even air conditioning is a trigger, as it dries out the skin,” says Cheryl.
Thankfully, it isn’t a hopeless battle – here are the best affordable tips for dealing with itchy skin during the spring and summer months.
Reevaluate your skin care
Keep dry, itchy skin at bay by taking a look at what you’re putting on your body every day. “We usually advise patients with eczema to review their skin products and only use hypoallergenic products for washing their skin, hair and clothes,” says Cheryl. “This reduces their skin’s contact with irritants and we often find that this treatment is very effective in helping to manage their condition.”
Choose skin care that will help to restore your skin, such as the DermaVeen Sensitive Relief skin care range. DermaVeen, an everyday Australian skin care brand, has formulated each product in the range with natural oatmeal, which has dermatologically-proven benefits to soothe, hydrate and protect dry and sensitive skin. Establishing a healthy skin regime will help to make dealing with dry, itchy skin easier – start with a low irritant cleansing product and follow with a nourishing moisturiser, such as the DermaVeen® Sensitive Relief Eczema Cream. Which brings us to our next tip!
Moisturise regularly
It might seem like an obvious one, but moisturising dry, itchy skin makes a big difference. “Moisturizing the skin is very important,” agrees Cheryl. “This keeps it supple and less likely to crack and also helps relieve itching.”
But if you think one lazy slather a day is enough to combat dry, itchy skin for eczema sufferers, think again. “We advise [eczema sufferers] to increase the amount they moisturise,” says Cheryl. “Every hour if possible and use only hypoallergenic moisturisers. This can be effective in healing the skin and reducing itchiness.”
DermaVeen® Sensitive Relief Eczema Cream is ideal for those who need to dial up their skin’s hydration levels and was created to soothe, hydrate, protect and restore dry, itchy skin. The rich cream forms a protective moisture layer and replenishes the skin barrier, locking in moisture to the skin. Natural colloidal oatmeal and shea butter nourish and protect the skin while still allowing the cream to absorb easily, leaving limbs smooth and non-greasy. It’s also free from nasties that are known to irritate dry, itchy skin such as parabens, lanolin, fragrances, artificial dyes and alcohol.
Keep it cool
A great tip for eczema sufferers with dry, itchy skin is to take extra steps to keep your skin cool during the warmer months. “Put moisturising creams in the refrigerator – they act as a cool compress when applied and help to reduce itchiness,” suggests Cheryl. “Bathe daily in a bath of tepid to warm water and always add a hypoallergenic oil or soap free wash. Never use soap-based products or bubble bath, which dry the skin.”
It’s also worth examining your sleeping arrangements to aid in managing dry, itchy skin. “You will sleep better in a well-ventilated bedroom with minimal air-conditioning,” advises Cheryl. “If you must have air-conditioning on, place 1-2 containers of water in the room to add some moisture.”
Try to choose breathable fabrics for your clothing, too. Loose garments made from natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo can help to avoid further irritation to dry, itchy skin.
Have you encountered dry, itchy skin during the warmer months?
*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your healthcare professional.
AU-2018-10-0084
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51 Member Comments
It's sound very cool to the moistruriser the can give you the feelings good to reduce the itchy of skin ...
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Hamilton urederm and CeraVe creams have been the source of a great night's sleep!
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I find consuming N-acetyl glucosamine has helped my eczema immensely.
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Humidifiers work a treat.
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Cool wet wrap therapy works in severe cases.
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No, I don't have eczema but my skin is much happier in the warmer weather. In Winter however my poor skin is very dry and itchy.
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Putting creams/lotions in the fridge is a good hint for summer use as coolness relieves itchiness
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Interesting article - I suffer from eczema and found this helpful.
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Since I came out of an extended hospital stay, the skin on some parts of my body is very dry, flaky and itchy - due to a medical condition that I will have to manage for the long-term. It may also be due to the hard core antibiotics that I was given as even the skin on my face is more dry than usual. (The condition is not eczema.)
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Fabulous products, great they have a whole range too
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I’ve been enjoying using Nivea body oil. So gentle and easy to use.
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Eliminating the cause (s) . Only solution. Why battle whole life, not worth it.
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The cream can be calming, but a friends kid has it and it raw with pain
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Good tips...
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I like the idea of putting moisturisers in the fridge in order to apply them like a cool compress, it sounds so soothing.
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QV is good for itchy skin too
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Whilst I don’t get eeczema I do get dermatitis and it’s terrible, itchy, dry flaking skin is never a good thing and still have sensitive skin so have used these products in the past and find them great
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Dermaveen products are great for eczema and sensitive skin - they are so gentle on the skin.
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Hubby has tried all sorts of creams, including DermaVeen, but the one that has kept his skin condition managed on a daily basis is QV Intensive Moisturiser (in the tub). Plus, he uses a prescription cream for severe flare ups. Obviously different products work for different people.
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As a child my eczema was really bad and this went on until I left home. Oddly once I moved out of home at age 18 my skin issues cleared up a lot. Thats when I discovered that it was the laundry powder that my Mum used that was causing the issue. ooppss...poor Mum felt awful.
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It's better in the Spring but did I suffer in Winter.
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I love the variety of articles on here and this is a topic that needs to be spoken about as it is so hard to find something to soothe and calm conditions like this.
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I've never used Dermaveen, will keep that in mind.
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You should try it josella, it is good.
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So good to see a good variety of treatment products for eczema now. I used to have it as a child and hardly anything worked.
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