Tips + Tricks for Eczema! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Shireen Idris addresses eczema sufferers with a comprehensive guide on managing the skin condition. She discusses lifestyle tips, skincare advice, and product recommendations, emphasizing the importance of fragrance-free products and moisturization. The video also highlights the significance of avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy skin barrier, providing viewers with practical solutions to improve their skin health.

Takeaways

• 📅 Dr. Shireen Idris hosts a weekly 'Pillow Talk Durham' on Saturdays to discuss topics suggested by viewers in the comments.
• 📬 Viewers are encouraged to comment with questions for future topics and to engage with the channel through likes and subscriptions.
• 🎥 Dr. Idris has upgraded her video setup for improved quality, although she still speaks directly into her phone without a separate microphone.
• 🧴 Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is an inflammation of the skin affecting up to 30 million people in the U.S. and is often associated with asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.
• 🔍 Eczema triggers include heat, dry skin, and irritants like fragrances, which is why dermatologists recommend fragrance-free products.
• 🚫 Lifestyle tip 1: Avoid scratching and rubbing the skin to prevent thickening and long-term damage.
• ✂️ Lifestyle tip 2: Keep nails short or hands busy to minimize skin damage from scratching.
• 👕 Lifestyle tip 3: Use fragrance-free detergent and avoid fabric softeners to reduce skin irritation.
• 🩲 Lifestyle tip 4: Wear breathable clothing, preferably made of 100% cotton.
• 💧 Lifestyle tip 5: Use a humidifier in dry climates to maintain skin hydration.
• 🚿 Lifestyle tip 6: Take short, lukewarm showers to protect the skin's moisture barrier.
• 🏃‍♂️ Lifestyle tip 7: Stay cool and moisturized during exercise to prevent skin reactions.
• 🧴 Skincare tip 1: Switch to fragrance-free products for sensitive or broken skin barriers.
• 🌞 Skincare tip 2: Use sunscreen, preferably physical with zinc or titanium, for sun protection without irritation.
• 🛡 Skincare tip 3: Look for products with the National Eczema Association seal for suitability and safety.
• 🛒 Product recommendation includes Cetaphil Restoraderm Proline body wash for its soothing and barrier-restoring properties.
• 🧴 Another recommendation is the Event Zeracom, a lipid-replenishing cleansing oil approved by the National Eczema Association.
• 🌱 Colloidal oatmeal is highlighted as a key ingredient for nourishing and soothing the skin, found in Aveeno Eczema Therapy.
• 💊 Urea is noted for its ability to hydrate and exfoliate, beneficial for dry skin but potentially irritating for inflamed skin barriers.
• 🔒 In conclusion, Dr. Idris provides a range of lifestyle adjustments and product suggestions aimed at managing and alleviating eczema symptoms.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Shireen Idris and what is the purpose of her YouTube channel?

Dr. Shireen Idris is a doctor who hosts a YouTube channel dedicated to providing lifestyle tips, skin care advice, and product recommendations, particularly for those with eczema. The channel is interactive, with topics chosen based on audience comments and questions.

What does the term 'eczema' generally refer to?

Eczema is a broad term that generally refers to dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the skin. It can present as angry, irritated, or thickened skin.

What percentage of the U.S. population is affected by eczema?

Up to 10 percent of the U.S. population, which is approximately 30 million people, is affected by some form of eczema or skin condition.

What are some common triggers for eczema?

Common triggers for eczema include heat, very dry skin, dry climate, certain irritants such as fragrances, and over-reaction to triggers due to inflamed responses.

Why is it important for people with eczema to avoid scratching and rubbing their skin?

Avoiding scratching and rubbing is important because it can lead to thickened skin that may resemble 'elephant skin' over time, offering short-term relief but causing long-term damage.

What is one lifestyle tip given by Dr. Idris for eczema sufferers regarding clothing?

Dr. Idris suggests wearing clothing that allows the skin to breathe, with 100% cotton being the recommended material.

Why should eczema sufferers avoid fabric softeners when washing clothes?

Fabric softeners can be irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin or eczema, and may exacerbate skin reactions.

What is the recommended water temperature for showering when managing eczema?

It is recommended to use lukewarm water instead of hot water to avoid further drying out the skin and exacerbating eczema symptoms.

What is the significance of the National Eczema Association seal on a product?

The National Eczema Association seal indicates that a product has been approved by the association, suggesting it is suitable and safe for individuals with eczema.

Why is it advised to moisturize right after a shower for eczema sufferers?

Moisturizing immediately after a shower helps lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated, which is beneficial for managing eczema and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

What are some ingredients that can be beneficial for eczema-prone skin according to Dr. Idris?

Some beneficial ingredients for eczema-prone skin include colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, glycerin, panthenol, and urea, which have soothing, moisturizing, and skin barrier repairing properties.

Why should eczema sufferers consider using a humidifier?

A humidifier can help maintain a more humid environment, which is beneficial for eczema sufferers as dry climates can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation.

What is the role of niacinamide in skincare products for eczema?

Niacinamide can be found in some skincare products and should be used cautiously in eczema-prone skin, as overuse may cause irritation. It is important to balance its use with other steps in the skincare routine.

What is the recommended approach to using body washes for eczema sufferers?

Eczema sufferers should minimize the use of harsh soaps and opt for creamy or oily body washes. They should also limit the application to areas that tend to accumulate sweat and grime, such as the armpits and groins.

How can Cetaphil Restoraderm Proline body wash benefit eczema-prone skin?

Cetaphil Restoraderm Proline is a soothing body wash enriched with filaggrin to help restore the moisture barrier, making it suitable for eczema-prone skin without overstripping or drying the skin.

What is the benefit of using Aveeno Eczema Therapy for eczema sufferers?

Aveeno Eczema Therapy is loaded with colloidal oatmeal, which has been proven to nourish and soothe the skin, and is approved by the National Eczema Association, making it a reliable choice for eczema sufferers.

Why is it suggested to use a non-sedating antihistamine before exercising for eczema sufferers?

Taking a non-sedating antihistamine before exercising can help minimize histamine release that may cause skin reactions, especially beneficial for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

What is the purpose of using a lipid-replenishing cleansing oil like the one from Event Zeracom?

The lipid-replenishing cleansing oil from Event Zeracom is fragrance-free and approved by the National Eczema Association, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It helps cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

How can moisturizers like La Roche-Posay's Lipikar lotion benefit eczema-prone skin?

La Roche-Posay's Lipikar lotion is lightweight, fragrance-free, and easily absorbed, making it suitable for eczema-prone skin. It contains shea butter, which has fatty acids and vitamins that help soften the skin and provide anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

What is the benefit of using a product like Bioderma's Eucerin for moisturizing after a shower?

Bioderma's Eucerin is a lightweight gel cream that can be used on both the body and face. It has a beautiful texture that doesn't leave a greasy residue, making it ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin in humid climates.

Why is it recommended to use Aquaphor ointment or body spray for eczema-prone skin?

Aquaphor ointment or body spray can be used as a final step after moisturizing to seal in moisture. It contains ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin, and panthenol, which have emollient and anti-inflammatory effects.

What is the benefit of using CetaVen products for eczema-prone skin?

CetaVen products are beneficial for eczema-prone skin because they contain a mix of white soft paraffin and white liquid paraffin, which are similar to Vaseline and mineral oil, along with fatty alcohols. They are thick but feel lightweight on the skin and spread easily.

How can urea, an ingredient in Isdin's urea cream, help with eczema-prone skin?

Urea is a humectant that helps the skin retain moisture and is part of the natural moisturizing factor of the skin barrier. It can also exfoliate by breaking down the bonds between superficial dead skin cells, promoting hydration and restoration of the skin barrier in cases of very dry skin that is not inflamed.