5 Ways to Treat Eczema Flare Ups this Winter

Eeeep, itchy skin is taking over as chillier weather sets in. Eczema flares up because the skin can't stay moist on its own. Cold, dry conditions sap the natural moisture from your skin, and dry skin worsens skin conditions like eczema. Flare-ups can also be caused by wearing too many layers of clothing, taking hot baths, or using too many bed coverings. Weather aside, let’s look at exact definition, causes and treatments.

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, red, itchy and bumpy. It's one of many types of dermatitis. Eczema damages the skin barrier function. This loss of barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness. It’s caused by a combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers and stress. If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin. Eczema can cause the skin to appear chapped, red, and on darker skin tones it may look brown, purple, or gray.

People can use creams, natural products, and dietary and lifestyle changes to manage or prevent eczema flares, especially in the winter, when symptoms tend to be at their worst. Let’s look at the best natural remedies for eczema and managing flare ups:

Use chemical free beauty products

Yes, this is an obvious one but it’s easy to look past this important step because it’s not always easy to find or afford. But it’s worth it because natural skincare is made from natural ingredients that are nutritionally rich and safe for the skin. Not to mention they are environmentally friendly and sustainable. To sum up, when you choose organic or natural beauty products you are not only doing wonders for your skin and internal health, but also making a positive impact on our environment.

Aloe Gel is a wonder

The Aloe plant has shown to be quite a magical one. People have used it for thousands of years for healing and softening the skin. Aloe has also long been a folk treatment for many ailments, including constipation and skin disorders. It’s known to have the following benefits:

- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Boosts the immune system
- Helps heal wounds

Our favorite Soothing Gel at the moment is this one

Image & Link Alt Text: Skin Concerns Eczema Itchy Dry Winter Natural Remedy Cream Spray Hypochlorous Acid Solution Moisture Healing The Olio Store Online South Africa

It’s an Aloe Ferox rich topical gel, which is effective in soothing, hydrating and repairing damaged or infected skin. It can also be used for sunburn, reducing itchiness, redness and inflammation.

Fill your plate with anti-inflammatory foods

Eczema is caused by a disordered immune system and inflammation, and a flare-up is the physical manifestation of that inflammation. So, to stop flare ups at their source, make sure you’re eating foods that are anti-inflammitory. Some examples of these foods are:

- fish
- leafy greens
- beans and lentils
- colorful fruits
- lots of leafy green vegetables
- turmeric and cinnamon

Hypochlorous Acid Solution (it’s not as scary as it sounds)

Haven’t heard of this natural compound? Basically, it’s a substance that is naturally created by our white blood cells that acts as the body's first line of defence against bacteria, irritation, and injury. Not only does it stimulate your skin to heal skin disorders, but it’s also great for the following:

Skin rejuvenation and ageing skin
Dehydrated and dull complexion
Repairing damaged, burnt, infected and inflamed skin
Combatting skin conditions including rashes, acne and cold-sores
Preventing scarring, hyperpigmentation and discoloration
Enhanced recovery from invasive skin treatments (derma-pen, micro-needling, laser and acid peels) as well as cosmetic surgeries
Removal of excess dirt or makeup

You can find this fabulous ingredient in The Olio Store's Skin Spray

Your Skin Is Thirsty

For people prone to eczema, skin that's too dry can easily become irritated, itchy, and break out in itchy, red patches. You can rehydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water, moisturizing well, especially after showering, and running a humidifier. Add a few drops of essential oils into your humidifier to really feel the zen.

Your skin is important. In fact, each inch of skin is made up of 19 million skin cells, 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, and 1,000 nerve endings. It deserves care and the correct nutrients!