How to prevent eczema?

1. Hydrate your skin from the inside

Overly dry skin becomes a favourable ground for the development of rashes and blisters. This is why it is essential to put on moisturizer each day. But we can also control the appearance of redness due to omega 3. According to several studies, these good fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties useful for preventing eczema and relieve itching. The best sources of this is fatty fish, (salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, etc.) preferably fresh. If you opt for canned versions, try to look for ones that do not contain sunflower oil, rich in omega-6, which neutralise the effects of omega 3. Certain vegetable oils are also rich in omega 3 (eg: rapeseed). If you have an aversion to fish, try a dietary supplement for 1-2 months.

2. Choose your clothes carefully

Unfortunately, we live in the realm of synthetic fibres. And those with skin allergies do not appreciate this fact at all. Polyester, nylon and spandex can all cause rashes. Opt for 100% cotton, especially for clothes that are in direct contact with the skin (such as underwear and t-shirts). Buttons and zips on jeans, underwire in bras and belt buckles can also cause itching due to nickel, a highly allergenic metal. We can overcome this problem by regularly painting a layer of transparent varnish over these metal parts.

3. Try a course of probiotics

The appearance of eczema may be due to poor absorption in the digestive system, or unbalanced intestinal microflora. Many studies are underway to determine how probiotics can prevent allergies and which the most effective strains are. A study recently published in the Clinical and Experimental Allergy journal may well have struck gold with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001. But for now, it is impossible to determine what the “right” dose is, nor exactly what type of allergy it works on. Moreover, this specific strain is not present in most dietary supplements available on the market. Until we know more, we can still boost our intestinal microflora with a 2 to 3-month course of several strains of probiotics.

4. Adopt good habits

– Avoid having baths too frequently, as these may dry the skin. Wipe down carefully once you are out of the water, because humidity promotes the formation of pimples.

– Choose surgras soap or shower gel with very little additives. Rid yourself of the formulas and exotic fragrances; simplicity is just as effective and will cause fewer allergies.

– If eczema appears just after a meal at the corners of the lips or around the mouth, it is suspicious. It may be the manifestation of a (small) food allergy. Take note of what you eat and observe if the reaction recurs when consuming the same food again.

Maureen Diament