Get your flares under control with these first steps.
Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN
Key Points
- Use thick, fragrance-free moisturizers, especially after bathing, to restore the skin barrier.
- Avoid harsh soaps and fragranced products; opt for gentle, eczema-friendly alternatives.
- Track triggers and share notes with your dermatologist. Work with them to create a treatment plan.
A new eczema diagnosis can bring relief and worry at the same time. You finally have a name for the itchy, dry or inflamed patches on your skin, but you may not know what to do next. Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation, itching and dryness, with symptoms that tend to come and go in flares.While there is currently no cure for eczema, many people get their symptoms under control with the right medical care and daily habits. Below, dermatologists suggest the first steps to take after a diagnosis.
Start Protecting Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin. It keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it isn’t working well, your skin can lose moisture quickly and react more easily to things it touches. “Eczema is associated with a compromised skin barrier, which allows moisture to escape and contributes to the cycle of dry, irritated skin. Restoring moisture is the easiest step patients can take right away,” says Lycia Thornburg, MD, FAAD.
But not all moisturizers are equally helpful. Thick creams and ointments usually work better for eczema-prone skin than lotions do. Lotions contain more water, which can evaporate and leave your skin feeling dry again. If you’re shopping for a new product, look for ingredients such as ceramides, petrolatum or glycerin. These ingredients help hold moisture in the skin.
When you moisturize matters too. “Apply it at least twice a day, especially straight after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp,” says Hannah Kopelman, MD. To get the most from your bath or shower, keep it short and use lukewarm water rather than hot water. Hot water can dry out your skin. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
Get Rid of Products That Could Be Irritating Your Skin
Many everyday products contain ingredients that can aggravate eczema. Because irritated skin is more reactive, a cleanser or lotion you used for years without problems may now cause stinging or redness.
“The first thing they should do is throw out their soap or any harsh cleansers that they’re using. These strip the natural oils from the skin and make eczema worse,” says Debra Jaliman, MD. Kopelman adds that active ingredients deserve a pause as well: “I’d recommend setting all exfoliating acids, retinoids, fragranced products and the like aside for now.”
When searching for replacements, look for products labeled “fragrance-free” rather than “unscented.” Unscented products may still contain masking fragrances that cover up other smells. Remember to check your laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets too, since residue can stay on clothes and bedding. Before using a new product, test a small amount on a patch of skin for a few days to see how you react.
You can also search for products with the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This seal means a product meets guidelines created by a panel of dermatologists, allergists and eczema experts to ensure it is suitable for people with eczema.
Try Using a Symptom Journal to Track Triggers
Eczema triggers vary from person to person, and learning yours can help you prevent some flares. Common triggers include dry or cold air, heat and sweat, stress, wool or rough synthetic fabrics, fragrances, dust mites and pet dander. Some people notice flares after certain activities, during particular seasons or after using certain products.
A simple symptom journal can help you spot patterns. Write down when your skin flares, what you ate, what you wore, what products you used and what the weather was like. Share these notes with your dermatologist.
Make a Treatment Plan With Your Dermatologist
Good skin care is a big part of managing eczema, but it often isn’t enough on its own. “The biggest misconception [about] eczema is it can always be treated without medical intervention. Most often, you will need prescription items to treat the inflammation and any possible infection that complicates eczema,” says Ask Kormeili, MD.
Your treatment plan will depend on how severe your eczema is, where it appears and your age. It is also important to watch for signs of infection, as people with eczema are more likely to develop skin infections. Contact your doctor if you notice oozing, yellow crusting, pus-filled bumps, spreading redness, pain or fever.
Our Expert Take
An eczema diagnosis is the first step toward calmer, more comfortable skin. Dermatologists recommend starting by repairing the skin barrier with thick, fragrance-free moisturizers at least twice a day, especially right after bathing. They also recommend replacing harsh soaps and active ingredients with gentle options. Tracking your triggers can also help you spot what sets off your flares. It is important to work with your dermatologist to create a treatment plan, since many people need prescription medication to control eczema.