Expert Tips for the Holidays
[ad_1]
If you have atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema, you might be forgiven for having some mixed feelings about the holiday season. Even if you love parties, shopping, family get-togethers, and travel, changing up the daily routine can be stressful — and that can lead to skin challenges and even eczema flare-ups.
On top of that, fall and winter may bring a chill in the air or frigid temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating, all of which may cause itchiness and dry, cracked skin that can quickly become raw and tender.
But with a little preparation, you can avoid many atopic dermatitis triggers, keep your flares at bay, and focus on relaxing with friends and family (or shopping till you drop, if that’s your thing).
Read on for expert advice on how to care for your skin this fall and winter and keep atopic dermatitis from wrecking your holiday.
1. Moisturize, and Repeat as Needed
Cold air can dry the skin, causing itchiness and worsening atopic dermatitis. Fleeing winter weather by taking refuge indoors often exacerbates the issue because turning the heat up to keep a room cozy can make the air even drier.
Fortifying your skin’s natural defenses can help prevent a flare-up, says Syril Keena Que, MD, MPH, assistant professor of clinical dermatology and dermatologist at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. “It is crucial to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. One way to do so is by using Vaseline, which can help alleviate atopic dermatitis flares,” she says.
Clear, thick petrolatum (petroleum-based) ointments have low water and alcohol content so they won’t cause a burning sensation when applied and are the best way to maintain moisture in the skin, according to the National Eczema Association.
2. Practice Self Care to Help Manage Stress
Periods of stress can cause atopic dermatitis flare-ups, says Ahmad Zamael Amin, MD, a dermatologist who specializes in atopic dermatitis at Northwestern Medical Group in Chicago.
“It’s certainly something that we see a lot — it can be personal or job-related stress, but it can also be the kind of stress that can happen during the holidays,” he says.
Maintaining healthy eating and sleep habits can help reduce the risk of a stress-related flare, says Dr. Amin.
If you have time for a little self-pampering, massage is another great way to reduce stress, according to the National Eczema Association.
There’s also evidence to suggest that mind-body therapies can play a role. One small pilot study from Emory University in Atlanta found that meditation reduced the severity of chronic itch and improved quality of life. Not sure how to get started? Free guided meditations are available through UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center.
3. Stick With Familiar Personal Care Products
Uh oh: You’re on a trip and realize you forgot to pack a favorite lotion or face wash. Or you intentionally left it at home because you decided the container was too big to tote along.
But it’s worth a quick trip to the store to restock your tried-and-true brands. “If you have sensitive skin, it’s recommended to only use products that your skin is accustomed to,” says Dr. Que.
To avoid atopic dermatitis flares, it’s best to avoid contact with allergenic substances and new fragrances that are commonly found in personal care products like soaps, shampoos, and lotions, she says.
4. BYO Bed Linens May Keep Atopic Dermatitis Flare-Ups Away
Sheets washed in harsh or scented detergents may irritate your skin. If you’ve had atopic dermatitis flare ups while traveling that you’ve traced back to sheets or a pillowcase, it’s a good idea to bring your own linens, says Samantha Casselman, DNP, a National Eczema Association expert and pediatric nurse practitioner certified in primary care at Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology in Phoenix, Arizona.
5. Practice Good Hand Hygiene and Get Appropriate Vaccinations
People with atopic dermatitis may be more susceptible to getting sick from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Dermatologists recommend following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination guidelines. Frequent hand-washing can also help prevent the spread of nasty viruses, according to the CDC.
But repeated hand-washing can lead to hand eczema due to the loss of moisture and natural oils from the skin, says Que. “To alleviate this, make sure to moisturize your hands regularly, “ she says. For severe cases, she recommends covering hands with topical steroids overnight.
6. Make Sure Your Ugly Christmas Sweater Is Soft and Breathable
If you have AD you’ll want to steer clear of sweaters (or any garment touching your skin) made of wool or synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon, according to the National Eczema Society. These fabrics are not breathable and may cause overheating and sweating, which can lead to itchiness.
Instead, look for soft fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or silk.
7. Not Sure if a Gift Is Eczema-Friendly? Keep the Tags On
Even those near and dear to you may not consider your atopic dermatitis when picking out your gift. Dr. Casselman suggests proceeding with caution if you receive any skin-care products, or just plan on trading it in for a product for sensitive skin. Ditto for clothes.
If you get lucky and are gifted a garment made of eczema-friendly materials, make sure you wash it before wearing, she adds.
8. Check in With Your Dermatologist Before the Holidays
Booking an appointment with your dermatologist before the holidays hit is a smart strategy, says Amin. “This is especially true for people who are experiencing a flare or know that they typically get a flare during the winter months.”
The session can give you a chance to discuss any ongoing or new issues with your skin, and make sure you are getting the care you need for your condition, he says.
“There are so many fantastic treatment options that we have for patients, even those who have moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, that in my opinion, no one should be suffering from AD and eczema during the holiday season,” says Amin.
[ad_2]
