What should your skincare routine be like if you have eczema? In Singapore, eczema flareup is generally related to the weather. If it’s a hot and humid day, your skin will tend to flare up. On rainy days, it may be much calmer. Regardless of the weather, this is what you should try to practice on a daily basis :
1) Quick shower in room temperature water
Light soap will do so that you don’t dry out your skin. You should use natural products or those without harsh chemicals. For the natural organic range, you can try organic goat soap which is many benefits for eczema skin. Another good dermatologist recommended and less harsh would be QV Intensive or QV flareup range. Remember – No vigorous scrubbing at all times when you are cleansing your skin.
2) Treat infected areas
If you unconsciously scratched during the night, that area may now be weeping heavily or have a yellow discharge. Do wash with an antiseptic wash which is gentle and mild. Hospigel has been recommended by many dermatologists. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotic, after wash and dry, you can apply antibiotic ointment with a cotton bud. Alternatively, use an antiseptic cream to cover the infected area thinly.
3) Apply cream to very dry skin, bumps, scaly areas
Now to tackle the problem areas : For very dry or inflammed areas, you can try to apply Lucas Papaw ointment to coat and protect the damaged part of the skin. It is made from natural fruit from Australia – carica papaya and the ointment protects the skin from external irritants and drying out further. Some of the photos before and after on how this ointment has truly helped an eczema sufferer’s skin can be seen here.
4) Apply lotion to the rest of the body
General moisturizing now : Liberally apply your moisturizer (We recommend for you to try “Gloves in a Bottle” shielding lotion) over some parts of your skin which is weaker or prone to drying or inflammation. Alternatively, choose a light moisturizer that has been working for you.
5) Cover up problem areas
In order to keep your clothes from rubbing itchy areas (such as waist line), you could protect the wound with a small plaster/ over them. Primapore dressing strip or wound clear film can be used but you will need to change them at least twice a day to prevent further infection. Avoid regular plasters because they are really hard to remove at the end of the day, and leave a sticky residue which may make the itch worse.
6 ) Aloe Vera gelly by your side
Prevention from scratching is very important. A tube of cooling Aloe Vera Gelly can do the trick – it will cool itchy or inflammed areas and prevents you from scratching it. You will tend to scratch subconsciously at night, keep one by your bedside so that you can easily reach for it when you feel that tingling sensation coming.