4 Expert Eczema Tips I HATE (and What I’d Do Instead) | Eczema Advice That Actually Makes Sense 💚

Summary

Victoria, a seasoned eczema warrior, shares her insights on common eczema advice that often misses the mark. From the overemphasis on moisturizing to the controversial use of steroids, she highlights the importance of understanding individual skin needs. Offering personal experiences with treatments like fasting and Dupixent, she advises against blanket solutions, emphasizing that natural remedies can be both helpful and harmful depending on the person. Her message: be informed, cautious, and embrace a tailored approach to eczema care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moisturizing is not a one-size-fits-all solution for eczema; it can even worsen some conditions if used incorrectly.
• 😀 Steroid usage should be done with caution and awareness of potential side effects like topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).
• 😀 Fast for eczema relief: Fasting can help reduce flare-ups by addressing food triggers.
• 😀 The 'No Moisture Method' can sometimes be more effective than adding lotions and creams to inflamed skin.
• 😀 Beware of using just any lotion—certain ingredients like prolatam can irritate or cause allergic reactions in some eczema sufferers.
• 😀 Scratching is nearly impossible to control for eczema patients, and telling someone to 'stop scratching' is frustrating and unrealistic advice.
• 😀 Natural products, though popular, may cause allergic reactions in eczema patients—always test new products carefully and one at a time.
• 😀 Some natural products like mango butter, grape seed oil, and avocado oil are generally safe for eczema sufferers, while others like shea butter or jojoba oil may cause irritation.
• 😀 If you're considering steroids, try to minimize usage and explore alternatives when possible, such as topical treatments or diet changes.
• 😀 Always assess the effectiveness of eczema products by observing how your skin responds the next day—smooth and itchy skin may indicate healing, while red and inflamed skin means irritation.
• 😀 Dupixent, while costly, can be an effective eczema treatment, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons and consult with your doctor.

Q & A

Why does the speaker argue that moisturizing is not always the solution for eczema?

The speaker believes that while moisturizing is commonly recommended for eczema, it isn't always the right solution. Some moisturizers can even exacerbate eczema symptoms by feeding bacteria or fungi, depending on the type of eczema. Additionally, the effectiveness of moisturizers varies depending on the individual and the specific skin condition.

What does the speaker think about the common advice to stop scratching?

The speaker finds the advice to 'stop scratching' frustrating because for many people with eczema, itching is an uncontrollable, neurological issue. Although the speaker acknowledges that some methods like breathing exercises can help manage itching, telling someone with eczema to simply stop scratching isn't practical.

What does the speaker recommend as a way to determine if a skincare product is helping eczema?

The speaker suggests assessing how the skin responds to a product the next day. If the skin is smoother but still itchy, it could be a healing itch, indicating the product is working. If the skin is red, inflamed, or inflamed with scratch marks, the product may be causing irritation.

Why does the speaker caution against using steroids without proper understanding?

The speaker emphasizes that while steroids can be effective, they come with potential side effects and the risk of topical steroid withdrawal. The speaker advises using steroids sparingly and being informed about their potential long-term effects, rather than using them blindly without proper understanding or guidance.

What does the speaker think about the use of natural products for eczema?

While the speaker is an advocate for natural products, they caution that not all natural ingredients are suitable for people with eczema. Some natural products, like shea butter or jojoba oil, may contain allergens that can worsen eczema. The speaker suggests trying natural products one at a time and being mindful of individual skin reactions.

What is the speaker's opinion on oral steroids like Prednisone?

The speaker strongly advises against taking oral steroids like Prednisone, highlighting that although they may provide short-term relief, many people regret using them due to rebound flare-ups. The speaker encourages exploring other treatment options first, particularly avoiding oral steroids if possible.

What does the speaker suggest instead of relying solely on steroids for eczema management?

The speaker suggests alternative treatments like fasting, which can help reduce eczema flare-ups by eliminating food triggers, and using products with Urea (such as URA 20 or higher), which has been effective in soothing itchiness.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between eczema and food triggers?

The speaker shares their experience with fasting, stating that food triggers can significantly impact eczema flare-ups. Fasting can help reduce flare-ups by giving the body a break from food-related irritants, though it's important to approach this method carefully.

What is the speaker's advice regarding the use of steroids versus other medications for eczema?

While the speaker doesn't oppose the use of steroids entirely, they recommend using them cautiously and sparingly. The speaker mentions Dupixent as a potential alternative, though it’s expensive, and stresses that patients should weigh the pros and cons of any medication based on their personal situation.

What are some natural products that the speaker finds generally safe for people with eczema?

The speaker mentions several natural products that are typically safe for eczema sufferers, including mango butter, glycerin, grape seed oil, avocado oil, and beef tallow. These products tend to be gentler on the skin and less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to other natural ingredients like shea butter or aloe.