When you have eczema, you can learn to manage the condition in a way that prevents further flare-ups and keeps your skin healthy and strong. Eczema is a common skin condition that causes itchy red patches on the skin. It is an immune system disorder, not an infection, so the right medical treatment is key to stopping the itching—and keeping it that way.

What is an Eczema Flare-Up?

An eczema flare-up is a return of its symptoms which include red, itchy skin rashes. Some of the other symptoms include:

• Excessively dry skin
• Red, itchy skin rashes
• Small raised bumps (may be filled with fluid or may form crust)
• Cracking and thickening of skin

The symptoms of eczema usually come and go, but if you have chronic eczema, the flare up might occur after your skin comes in contact with certain compounds.

What Causes an Eczema Flare-Up?

Eczema flare-ups are caused by an overreaction of the skin to external allergens. The most common trigger is contact with latex or strong detergents. Other triggers include anything else you put on your skin such as fabrics (wool, polyester) or harsh soaps.

It is important to keep in mind that anything that you put on your skin can cause a flare-up, so it is best practice to make sure that you are using only all natural products.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and dryness in the skin. Flare-ups are often caused by triggers such as stress, allergies, or an overactive immune system.

Other triggers for an eczema flare-up include:

• Dry skin: skin likely to crack leading to flare-up
• Stress: emotional stress although doctors do not know why
• Irritants: household items such as dish soap, disinfectants, laundry detergent
• Perfume and other fragrances: chemicals and toxins may irritate and dry skin

Know Where Eczema Is Most Challenging in Adults

For adults, eczema is usually found in the face and neck. According to the National Eczema Society, facial eczema is triggered by cosmetics or skin-care products. 

Other areas affected by eczema also include the body, which can be found as thick and discoloured patches. 

Since hands are exposed to many irritants, they are also at risk for this condition. Constantly washing hands causes dry and cracked skin by weakening the skin barrier. It is recommended by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to use soap and water to wash hands rather than use hand sanitizer. 

Why You Must Moisturize When Treating Eczema

When you have eczema, it is essential to keep skin moist at all times. This helps to promote the healing process and keep eczema symptoms at bay. But what is actually the best way to moisturize the skin? Is there a right way, or a wrong way?

The top three reasons to moisturize when treating eczema: It'll keep your skin hydrated, it'll help it heal quicker, and it'll also help prevent the itch. Moisturizing means applying lotion, cream, or any other ointment or moisturizer to your skin.

Why is Bathing so Effective

Bathing is the simplest way to treat eczema. It is effective for a number of reasons:

Water contains substances that can calm inflammation and redness. Bathing also removes sweat, oil, and other substances that may cause eczema flare-ups. Eczema sufferers should use soaps with the least amount of allergic or irritating chemicals possible.

Bathing can also soothe the itch caused by eczema and moisturize the skin. Since eczema is essentially a dry skin condition, bathing can act as an important moisture therapy by helping to hydrate the skin and relieve itching.

The water will also remove any dirt and allergens that may be present on the surface of your skin, which will help you feel better. In addition, bathing regularly can keep the oils in your skin at healthy levels which will help reduce flare-ups or reduce their severity if one does occur.