New York City and Manhattan, NY
Eczema is often thought of as a childhood disease since it usually does go away as the child gets older. But, did you know that adults can develop eczema too? Also referred to as adult-onset atopic dermatitis, eczema can occur even when you get older. Usually, eczema in adults will appear behind the knees, on the elbows, neck, or face. If you experience eczema, it is essential to have it evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist such as the doctors on staff at NY Skin RX. Certain medications or creams may be helpful at relieving your symptoms. However, in some cases, lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on the condition of your skin.
Here are four tips to help manage your eczema as an adult:
- Use free and clear laundry detergent
Unless your laundry detergent is marked as being free & clear, it likely is loaded with chemical fragrances and dyes that could trigger your eczema. Since your clothing, sheets, and towels are close to your skin so often, it makes sense to change your laundry detergent if you have eczema. Even if you don’t think your laundry soap is to blame, it is worth swapping just to see if you notice any improvement, and the chances are that you will.
- Moisturize immediately after bathing
This is what we call the soak and seal method, which means that after you have soaked in the bath or showered, dry off by patting your skin with a towel, and then apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes to seal in moisture. Since eczema tends to be dry, and itchy, moisturizing these areas will prevent dryness, as well as that uncomfortable itch associated with eczema.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are known to help your skin’s moisture levels. It is recommended that adults consume 250 to 300 mg of omega-3s each day. Many healthy foods are packed with omega-3s such as fish (specifically mackerel and salmon), walnuts, soybeans, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Although, you may need to take an over-the-counter supplement to ensure your body receives the recommended daily dose of omega-3s. We do advise, however, that you discuss taking any supplements with the doctor first, as a complete health assessment should be conducted before adding supplements to your daily regimen.
- Cut down on stress
Easier said than done, we get it! But, manage your stress by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and often, or even talking to a therapist or close friend if you experience stressful periods of life. While stress can be to blame for eczema flare-ups in adults, manage your stress levels and you should see an improvement in your skin.
These tips are just a start to easy lifestyle changes you can make to better manage your eczema. The most important thing to remember is to get your skin condition evaluated by a dermatologist in Manhattan, and don’t ignore the problem just hoping that it will go away because it often doesn’t on its own. To learn more about treating eczema in adults, please call NY Skin RX at (212) 288-3200.
NY Skin RX serves the New York City areas of Manhattan and the Upper East Side.