Self-care isnt just a wellness buzzword its a key part of the equation for many health conditions, including atopic dermatitis (eczema). And any activity that helps you care for your symptoms and feel better counts.

Why is self-care so important?

Since atopic dermatitis can be triggered by environmental and dietary factors, as well as stress, it is of utmost importance for you to practice self-care and reduce the risk of flare-ups, says Jody Alpert Levine, MD, a dermatologist and director of dermatology at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC in New York City.

[1]

Alongside the usual treatments, these five expert-backed self-care tips can help keep your atopic dermatitis symptoms at bay.

Dry skin a common symptom and trigger of atopic dermatitis can have many causes. A prime example is a long, hot shower, says Steven Daveluy, MD, an associate professor and program director of the department of dermatology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. The hot water is harsh on the skin and causes dryness.

Bathing or showering in either cool or warm (but not hot) water can help you avoid drying out your skin too much.

[2]

[3]

Traditional soaps and cleansers like hand soaps, dish soaps, and face or body washes are another common culprit for dry skin. Soaps can remove the natural oils and damage the skin as well, says Dr. Daveluy. Mild, fragrance-free cleansers are gentler.

[4]

Moisturizing your skin at least twice a day is helpful, particularly within three to five minutes after a bath or shower, says Dr. Levine. The reason: Applying moisturizer directly after showering helps lock in moisture and create a protective barrier, which allows your skin to heal, she explains.

[5]

Stress is another top trigger for atopic dermatitis symptoms and can lead to flare-ups, which in turn can cause additional stress. Thats why finding effective ways to manage lifes stresses and care for your mental health is so important, says Levine.

Some tried-and-true strategies that can help:

Mindfulness refers to the practice of focusing on the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future. Its a science-backed way to reduce stress (and thus help make atopic dermatitis flare-ups less frequent).

[6]

[7]

You probably already know exercise does wonders for stress, but for some with atopic dermatitis, it can be hard on the skin. Thats because too much heat and sweat can ramp up itching.

[7]

[7]

RELATED: How to Find a Therapist Whos Right for You

[8]

Factors like diet can help or hurt inflammation levels in people with atopic dermatitis. Thats why dietary strategies that reduce inflammation, such as an anti-inflammatory diet, can offer symptom relief, says Deeptej Singh, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

An anti-inflammatory diet isnt a formal diet plan. Rather, its a general eating pattern that emphasizes eating more foods shown to reduce inflammation, like fruits and vegetables, while limiting foods that worsen inflammation, like dairy, meats, and processed foods. Generally speaking, it will be very plant-forward, says Dr. Singh.

If youd like to make changes to your diet, Singh recommends seeking guidance from a dermatologist or a registered dietitian nutritionist to create an eating plan that suits your needs.

RELATED: Eczema and Diet: The Foods to Eat and Avoid to Prevent and Manage Flare-Ups

Read the original:

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): 5 Top Self-Care Tips - Everyday Health