Living with eczema is a constant cycle of dryness, itching, irritation, and flare-ups when you least expect them. If you’re tired of trying countless creams and treatments with little relief, you’re not alone. Eczema affects over 31 million people in the U.S. alone, and while there’s no cure, there are ways to manage it.
This blog outlines what eczema is, what triggers it, how to prevent flare-ups, and the best remedies and diet tips to keep your skin healthy.
According to the National Eczema Association, eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause dry skin, itchiness, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. In the U.S., approximately 1 in 10 people have some form of eczema.
Quick facts about Eczema:
There are seven different types of eczema, and some are more common in specific age groups.
Eczema is most common in early childhood but can affect people of all ages.
It’s not contagious—you can’t “catch” eczema from someone who has it.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type, with symptoms like inflammation, dryness, and intense itching.
Eczema and dry skin can look alike, but eczema is more stubborn and tends to cause more irritation. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Eczema | Dry Skin | |
Appearance | Red, inflamed patches that may develop blisters, crust, or scale. | Flaky, rough, sometimes ashy appearance without significant redness |
Itching | Intense, often severe | Mild to moderate |
Inflammation | Significant | Minimal to none |
Location | Common in skin folds (elbow/knee creases), neck, face, hands | Can appear anywhere; often widespread |
Triggers | Allergens, stress, irritants, weather changes, certain foods | Low humidity, hot showers, harsh soaps, winter weather |
Duration | Chronic with flare-ups and remissions | Often temporary, improves with moisturizing |
Cause | Immune system dysfunction, genetic factors | Environmental factors depleting skin moisture |
Treatment | May require corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antihistamines | Usually gets better with regular moisturizing and gentle skincare |
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, eczema is most common in children aged 6–11 years (12.1%), followed by 0–5 years (10.4%), and slightly lower in 12–17-year-olds (9.8%). While eczema cannot be fully prevented, here are a few methods that are supposed to lower the risk of it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association:
1. Breastfeeding
Recent studies suggest that exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months may lower the risk of developing eczema, particularly in infants with a family history of atopic conditions like eczema, asthma, or hay fever. Introducing solid foods while continuing to breastfeed between four to six months may also be beneficial.
2. Maternal Diet During Pregnancy and Lactation
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding may reduce the child’s risk of developing eczema. However, there’s no strong evidence that avoiding specific foods during these periods prevents eczema.
3. Appropriate Skincare for Infants
Maintaining proper skin hydration is important. Regular application of fragrance-free moisturizers can help protect the skin barrier. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a moisturizer. Some moisturizers contain ingredients, such as fragrance, which could irritate your child’s skin or cause an allergic reaction.
4. Living with Pet Dogs
Having a dog at home before a child’s first birthday may lower their risk of developing eczema by around 25%. Research suggests early exposure to dogs helps build immunity.
When you’re exposed to certain environmental and lifestyle factors, your eczema can flare up in unexpected ways. While common triggers like harsh soaps or allergens are well known, others are less obvious. Here are a few surprising ones:
1. Air Pollution
When you’re in a polluted environment, tiny particles in the air can settle on your skin, leading to irritation and flare-ups. It’s not just about inhaling pollutants—the real issue may be the direct contact with your skin. Using a HEPA filter indoors, especially in your bedroom, can help reduce exposure and support skin health.
2. Viral Infections
When you’re sick with a cold or another viral infection, your immune system becomes more reactive, which can worsen eczema symptoms. This can lead to increased redness, dryness, and itching, both during the illness and in the recovery phase.
3. Stressful Events
High-stress situations, such as major work deadlines or academic pressure, can weaken the body’s defenses and increase inflammation, making eczema worse. Finding ways to manage stress—through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, or physical activity—may help keep flare-ups under control.
4. Sudden Temperature Changes
Moving quickly between warm and cold environments can disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, leading to irritation. Dressing in layers and using a humidifier indoors can help maintain skin hydration and minimize discomfort.
5. Hair Dye Chemicals
Certain ingredients in hair dyes, such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD), can trigger allergic reactions and eczema flare-ups on the scalp and surrounding areas. Choosing PPD-free products and performing a patch test before application can help reduce the risk of irritation.
Stress and eczema are closely linked, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones and inflammatory substances that can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms. This leads to more skin inflammation, a weaker skin barrier, and increased sensitivity to irritation.
At the same time, dealing with eczema can be emotionally exhausting. Constant itching, discomfort, and visible flare-ups can cause frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Many people with eczema find that their symptoms make social situations and daily life harder, which only adds to their stress. This creates a loop—stress makes eczema worse, and eczema adds more stress.
Eczema’s impact on mental health is serious and should not be ignored. The frustration of constant itching, sleep loss, and visible skin irritation can lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
Studies show that stress can slow down the skin’s ability to heal, making flare-ups last longer. This is why it’s important to care for both your skin and your mental well-being. Relaxation techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and getting enough sleep can help keep stress levels in check. Talking to a therapist or joining support groups can also provide relief. Simple changes like setting aside time to unwind and taking care of your overall health can make a real difference in easing eczema symptoms.
Recognizing how stress and eczema feed into each other shows why taking care of both the mind and body matters. Treating the skin is important, but mental well-being plays just as big a role in breaking the cycle.
Here are some natural remedies to manage your symptoms and support your skin’s healing process:
1. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast—it’s also a powerful skin soother. Colloidal oatmeal, made from finely ground oats, can help reduce itching and inflammation. Add a handful to a warm (not hot) bath and soak for 15-20 minutes to calm irritated skin.
2. Coconut Oil
Packed with antimicrobial and moisturizing properties, coconut oil can help restore the skin barrier and reduce bacteria that worsen eczema. Apply a thin layer of virgin coconut oil to damp skin after bathing to lock in moisture.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is well known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits. Apply pure aloe vera gel to eczema-prone areas for instant relief from itching and dryness.
4. Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil strengthens the skin’s natural barrier and retains moisture. It’s best applied right after a shower to prevent excessive water loss from the skin.
5. Honey
With its antibacterial and wound-healing properties, honey can help eczema-affected skin heal faster. Dab a small amount of raw honey on irritated areas for a natural, soothing treatment.
What you eat can impact your skin. Some foods help fight inflammation, while others can trigger flare-ups. Here’s how you can tweak your diet to better manage eczema:
Foods That May Help:
Fatty Fish: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut support gut health, which is linked to skin health.
Fruits & Vegetables: Leafy greens, berries, and carrots are packed with antioxidants that protect the skin.
Turmeric: This spice has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Add it to soups, teas, or curries for an eczema-friendly boost.
Foods to Limit:
Dairy & Eggs: These are common allergens that may trigger eczema in some people.
Processed Foods: High in additives and preservatives, these can contribute to inflammation.
Sugar & Refined Carbs: These can spike blood sugar levels, leading to more inflammation in the body.
Probiotics, or “good bacteria,” support gut health—and a healthy gut may mean healthier skin. Some studies suggest that taking probiotics can help reduce eczema severity, especially in children.
How do probiotics help?
They boost the immune system, reducing overactive immune responses that trigger eczema.
They help strengthen the gut-skin connection, preventing inflammation from spreading.
They balance the gut microbiome, which plays a role in skin health.
The best sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, miso, kombucha, and fermented vegetables. Probiotic supplements may also help, but consult a doctor before adding them to your routine.
A good skincare routine can make a huge difference in managing eczema. Follow these steps to keep your skin hydrated and protected:
1. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Avoid harsh soaps and opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers that won’t strip your skin’s moisture.
2. Moisturize Immediately After Bathing
Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes of showering to lock in hydration.
3. Choose the Right Fabrics
Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wool or synthetic fibers that can irritate your skin.
4. Limit Hot Showers
Hot water can dry out your skin. Stick to lukewarm water and limit showers to 10-15 minutes.
5. Protect Your Skin Barrier
Use occlusive agents like petroleum jelly or ceramide-based creams to reinforce the skin barrier.
Warmer weather can be tricky for eczema-prone skin. Follow these tips to keep flare-ups at bay during summer:
1. Stay Cool
Excess sweating can trigger eczema. Wear light, loose clothing and use a fan or air conditioner to stay cool. Keeping your body temperature regulated can help prevent flare-ups.
2. Choose Sunscreen Wisely
Use a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin, so opt for gentle, fragrance-free options designed for eczema-prone skin.
3. Rinse Off After Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can dry out your skin, making eczema worse. Always shower with lukewarm water and apply a moisturizer immediately after swimming to lock in hydration.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydrated skin is less likely to become dry and irritated, reducing the chances of eczema flare-ups.
5. Avoid Overwashing
Frequent washing can strip away your skin’s natural oils, making it more prone to irritation. Stick to gentle cleansing with a fragrance-free, hydrating cleanser and follow up with a thick moisturizer.
The right moisturizer helps manage eczema by keeping the skin hydrated, reducing itchiness, and strengthening the skin barrier. When choosing a moisturizer, look for:
1. Ceramides
These essential lipids repair and protect the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin strong against irritants.
2. Colloidal Oatmeal
A natural anti-inflammatory that soothes irritation, reduces redness, and relieves itching caused by eczema flare-ups.
3. Humectants (Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid)
These ingredients attract and retain moisture, ensuring long-lasting hydration and preventing dryness.
4. Occlusives (Petroleum Jelly, Shea Butter)
They create a protective layer on the skin, locking in moisture and shielding it from external irritants that can trigger eczema symptoms.
5. Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic Ingredients
Avoiding fragrances and common allergens helps minimize irritation, making the moisturizer safe for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
Some trusted options containing these key ingredients include CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream, Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, Aveeno Eczema Therapy Balm, and Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
Eczema can be frustrating, but there are ways to manage and minimize it. Caring for your skin, nourishing your body, and keeping stress in check can make a big difference. Small, consistent habits can help you feel more comfortable and in control. If your eczema is persistent or severe, consulting a dermatologist can help you find the best treatment options.
Can eczema go away on its own?
Eczema can improve with time, but it’s usually a long-term condition. Managing triggers and following a good skincare routine can help keep flare-ups under control.
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