The skin is part of the body’s immune response, fighting off bacteria, viruses, and other sources of illness. However, that makes the skin prone to various issues, including discoloration, cysts, patches, rashes, redness, lesions, and infections.
Problems that affect your skin can pose issues for the rest of your body.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic illness with many risk factors and unpleasant effects on your skin. It can be managed with medications, but you can take steps at home as well to deal with the flare-ups.
At their three New York City locations, Dr. Javier Zelaya and his team at Skinworks Dermatology can help if you’re struggling with eczema or other skin problems.
Your skin forms a barrier that helps keep fluids in the body and toxins and pathogens out. Eczema weakens that barrier, resulting in dry, itchy skin. Eczema comes in several forms and affects 31 million people in the United States.
It results from an overreaction to allergens, substances your immune system abnormally responds to with inflammation. A family history can increase your risk of eczema, along with environmental pollutants, various products, and even stress, anxiety, or depression.
Eczema flare-ups can include:
Eczema typically appears on the face, ears, lips, neck, hands, elbows, feet, and ankles. But it can also affect your genitals and breasts.
Here’s what you can use at home to manage eczema symptoms:
Applying creams or ointments to your skin, such as aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, colloidal oatmeal, honey, coconut oil, and tea tree oil, can reduce the impact of eczema on your skin.
A diet rich in fish, beans, lentils, leafy green vegetables, fruits, turmeric, and cinnamon can help reduce inflammation in your skin.
Use gentler detergents and cleaners on your skin, bundle up in cold weather, wear clothes made from 100% cotton, and avoid scratching affected areas.
To reduce flare-ups, avoid situations that cause you to feel overwhelmed, express your feelings when stressed, take time out for yourself, and don’t abuse alcohol to handle stress.
If at-home therapies aren’t enough to control your eczema, Dr. Zelaya and Skinworks Dermatology offer medical solutions. Call the office in Maspeth, Chelsea, or Park Slope, or request your appointment online today.
