How to care daily for your atopic skin?
Atopic eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by flare-ups with red and itchy plaques. Skin is drier, more fragile and no longer properly plays its role as a protective barrier. It is therefore hypersensitive to its environment and inflames very quickly on contact with allergens or irritating substances. A few simple habits can improve the condition of your skin and limit the number of flare-ups.
5 simple daily rituals
Apply
the prescribed medicinal treatment to plaques during flare-ups
Why?
To treat flare-ups as soon as possible
How?
Apply the prescribed treatment at the 1st signs of a flare-up (redness, itching) and until redness disappears completely
Hydrate
the skin
Why?
- Reduces dryness
- Rebuilds the skin’s protective layer
- Reduces the frequency of flare-ups
How?
After cleansing, apply an emollient daily to damp skin
Limit
itching
Why?
To reduce the risk of secondary infections and scarring
How?
- Place something cold on the itchy area (cold pack, refrigerated stones, thermal spring water, etc.)
- Keep your hands and mind busy so you don’t have to you think about the itching
Cleanse
skin gently
Why?
To avoid aggravating already fragile skin
How?
- Use soap-free products adapted to atopic skin
- Apply without a washcloth
- Avoid very hot temperatures (27 to 30°C)
Take time
for your skin and yourself
Why?
To reduce the psychological impact of atopic eczema
How?
- Use the time spent applying your treatments to perform a gentle massage and make it a moment of relaxation
- Practice relaxing and soothing activities, such as exercising, meditation, sophrology, manual activities
How to choose your emollient?
Different emollient products have different textures: lotion, cream, balm, cold cream. Their compositions give them different hydrating and nourishing effects:
Light textures, such as lotions, are easier to apply and are absorbed more quickly. Richer textures, such as balms, are thicker and more difficult to apply and be absorbed, but they are more hydrating and nourishing.
Daily emollient care can be adapted to the season and to the condition of the skin.
The best emollient is one that’s well-tolerated and will leave skin feeling softer and more comfortable. Don’t hesitate to test different products and textures, and ask your doctor and pharmacist for advice.
Normal skin
Atopic skin
Atopic eczema lesion
Is atopic eczema compatible with exercise?
Yes! Exercise is essential for everyone’s mental and physical health. If you have atopic eczema, physical activity may cause issues, but these can be easily overcome:
Apply an emollient before exercising, it will soften and hydrate your skin and leave a protective film
Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing that’s suitable for exercise, allows heat to escape and reduces the irritating effect of sweat
Don’t forget to cut the tags off your clothes, they can cause irritationAfter exercising, hydrate your skin well and rinse it with warm water and a soap-free cleanser formulated for atopic skin
Associated products
1.
Cleanse
2.
Care and treat
3.
Care and treat
4.
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