When managing atopic dermatitis—commonly known as eczema—standard treatments such as steroids, antihistamines, and topical antiseptics often serve as the first line of defense. These medications help calm the immune system’s inflammatory response and reduce the chronic itching and irritation that characterize the condition. But according to experts, lifestyle choices can play an equally vital role in minimizing flares and supporting long-term skin health.
Nourish Your Skin from Within
As an inflammatory skin condition, eczema can be influenced by diet, says Dr. Geddes-Bruce. She recommends adopting an anti-inflammatory eating pattern to reduce symptoms and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Key dietary strategies include:
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Increasing antioxidant-rich foods, such as brightly colored fruits and vegetables
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Adding fiber and fermented foods, like live-culture yogurt and kefir, to support gut health
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Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds
Conversely, foods that are known to trigger inflammation may worsen symptoms and should be minimized. According to Harvard Medical School, these include:
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Fried foods such as French fries
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Processed meats and red meats
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Refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries
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Sugar-sweetened beverages
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Margarine and lard
Create a Skin-Protective Bedtime Routine
Moisturizing throughout the day helps prevent dryness and flaking, but nighttime care is especially important. “The hours spent asleep can be challenging for eczema-prone skin, as hydration tends to dissipate,” explains Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
To counteract this, she suggests the following nighttime regimen:
Use a rich, cream-based moisturizer containing ceramides, shea butter, or colloidal oatmeal.
Take a lukewarm bath—not hot—and skip drying additives like Epsom salts. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to damp skin.
Try wet-wrapping, a technique involving bandages soaked in warm water placed over moisturized skin to lock in hydration overnight.
This calming routine can also promote better sleep—critical for eczema sufferers. Studies show that up to 90% of adults with atopic dermatitis experience sleep disturbances, which are associated with increased risks for cardiovascular, metabolic, and psychiatric issues.
Manage Stress to Minimize Flares
Stress is a common eczema trigger. Heightened cortisol levels, associated with chronic stress, can suppress immune function and worsen inflammation.
The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends these stress-reduction strategies:
Incorporate regular exercise, especially low-sweat activities like yoga, walking, or paddleboarding, to boost mood and circulation without irritating the skin.
Maintain social connections. Research has shown that psychosocial stress—including social isolation—can intensify flares and make symptoms more severe.
Seek professional mental health support if you’re experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or other signs of depression.
“Over 30% of individuals with eczema also live with anxiety, depression, or both,” the NEA reports. Since inflammatory responses impact both the brain and skin, managing eczema effectively may also support mental health.
Building a Healthier Lifestyle—One Habit at a Time
While medications remain central to eczema treatment, integrating healthier habits can lead to fewer flare-ups, better sleep, and improved emotional well-being. “Good habits often lead to a domino effect,” notes Dr. Geddes-Bruce. “Improved nutrition can lead to more energy, which supports physical activity, which in turn helps sleep and mood.”
The bottom line? A well-rounded eczema toolkit includes more than just creams and prescriptions—it’s a daily commitment to whole-body wellness.
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