4. Find Ways to Curb Stress
Stress is another top trigger for atopic dermatitis symptoms and can lead to flares, which in turn can cause additional stress. That’s why finding effective ways to manage life’s stresses and care for your mental health is so important, says Levine.
Some tried-and-true strategies that can help:
Mindfulness
Mindfulness refers to the practice of focusing on the present moment in a nonjudgmental manner, rather than thinking about the past or future. It’s a science-backed way to reduce stress (and thus help make atopic dermatitis flares less frequent).
It can have other eczema-related benefits too. Research suggests that, along with lowering stress, mindfulness-based interventions can help reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms and itch perception, which triggers the urge to scratch, among people with atopic dermatitis and chronic itch.
There are many calming ways to practice mindfulness, including meditation, breath work, or yoga.
Exercise
You probably already know exercise does wonders for stress, but for some with atopic dermatitis, it can be hard on the skin. That’s because too much heat and sweat can ramp up symptoms.
Some helpful ways to make your workouts more eczema-friendly:
- Make sure you drink plenty of water while working out, to help keep your body and skin hydrated.
- Wear loose, cotton clothes, which are often less irritating to the skin than tight, moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Choose activities that get you moving without making you sweat as much, such as Pilates.
- Do your workout indoors, because a climate-controlled environment can help you cool down faster.
- Gently dab any sweat off your body with a towel to get it off quickly.
- Moisturize your skin before and after your workout, and shower in lukewarm or cool water once you’re done.
Talk Therapy
If you’re having a hard time handling life’s stresses, consider talking with a therapist. They can help you learn healthy coping skills for managing stress, which may also help you reduce the severity and frequency of flares.
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