Healthy Skin Tips for National Eczema Awareness Month
Dermatologist, Dr. Libby Rhee shares methods to manage the condition that affects over 31 million Americans
From the LifeMinute team
October 21, 2015
Over 31 million Americans suffer from eczema with 10% of those people being children. Dermatologist, Dr. Libby Rhee says, "It is very important to bring awareness to the disease and highlight ways it can be managed."
The Itch/Scratch Cycle
People who suffer from Eczema are itchy almost constantly. "Their skin is very dry, it's red, it's irritated and that leads to constant itch which then leads to scratching... the scratching then leads to more inflammation," says Dr. Rhee. This can be chronic and deabilitating and although there is no cure there are definitely ways to make eczema more manageable.
Start with Hygiene
"One thing I always go over with my patients is the 'Eczema Action Plan' and it starts with good bathing hygiene," says the doc. She always recommends lukewarm water, ensure the water isn't too hot. "When the water is too hot it will overly dry the skin and cause more irritation and more inflammation," she says "which is exactly what we are trying to avoid."
Moisturize More
"I also recommend that the patient moisturize their skin from head to toe within two to three minutes of exiting the shower," says Dr. Rhee, "That's the time when the pores are open and you can really seal in that moisture and restore the skin barrier that is so essential for improving eczema."
A product she often recommends to her patients is the Cetaphil RestoraDerm Eczema Calming Body Wash and Moisturizer. "They're the first and only products that are enriched with Ceramide and Filaggrin technology, which help to restore the lipid barrier and improve the protective layer of the skin, which can then retain more moisture," says the dermatologist. Both products have received a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, are fragrance and paraben-free, dermatologist recommended and can be easily found at retailers nationwide.
Bundle Up
"At this time of year as the weather gets cooler and windier it's definitely important to remember to protect the skin from the external environment," says Dr. Rhee. Make sure to wear gloves, scarves and avoid harsh chemicals and fragranced items such as perfumes and colognes.
For more information visit cetaphil.com.