Causes of dry/sensitive(inflamed) skin & tips to naturally help reduce inflammation

Artisan Souq Sep 16 20240 comments

Good news! There are natural methods to help prevent/reduce skin irritation such as dry or sensitive (inflamed) skin.

By definition: Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a type of dermatitis. Dermatitis is a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation. Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy, and bumpy. This condition weakens your skin’s barrier function, which is responsible for helping your skin retain moisture and protecting your body from outside elements.

What are the symptoms of eczema? Symptoms include dry skin, itching, rashes, bumps, thickened or leathery patches, flaky, scaly, or crusty skin, and swelling.

Where do eczema symptoms appear on my body? Symptoms can show up anywhere on your skin. The most common places include the hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face (especially the cheeks), ears (in and around), and lips. Less common areas include the nipples, breasts, and other private areas.

Is eczema contagious? Does it hurt? Eczema is not contagious and usually doesn't cause pain.

What causes eczema? Several factors can cause eczema, including:

Your environment: Many environmental factors can irritate your skin, such as exposure to smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, fabrics like wool, and some skincare products. Low humidity (dry air) can make your skin dry and itchy, while heat and high humidity can cause sweating, exacerbating itchiness.
Your immune system: If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens (triggers) in your environment. When you contact a trigger, your immune system assumes these small irritants are foreign invaders, like bacteria or viruses, and activates your body’s natural defense system, creating inflammation. This inflammation causes the symptoms of eczema on your skin.

Your Genes: You’re more likely to have eczema if there’s a family history of eczema or dermatitis. You’re also at a higher risk if there’s a history of asthma, hay fever, and/or allergies. Common allergies include pollen, pet hair, or foods that trigger an allergic reaction. You could also have a genetic mutation that causes your skin’s barrier function to not work as it should.
Emotional Triggers: Your mental health can affect the health of your skin, potentially causing a flare-up of eczema symptoms. High levels of stress, anxiety, or depression may lead to more frequent eczema flare-ups.

What Triggers Eczema? Eczema affects each person differently. What causes your symptoms to flare up might not trigger someone else with the condition. Common triggers include:
- Dry weather (low humidity)
- Soaps and detergents
- Makeup or skincare products
- Stress or emotional well-being
- Fabrics or clothing material
- Smoke and pollutants
- Touching something you’re allergic to
- Food allergies: No clear connection, but certain foods like dairy, eggs, or peanuts may cause sensitive skin

Tips to Naturally Help Reduce Inflammation:
- Moisturize Regularly: Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial. Use a synthetic fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer to prevent dryness and itching. Apply it after bathing to lock in moisture.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid environmental triggers such as smoke, harsh soaps, and certain fabrics like wool. Use natural, gentle, fragrance-free skincare products like handmade soaps.
- Wear Soft Fabrics: Choose clothing made from soft, breathable materials like cotton to reduce irritation.
- Take Shorter, Cooler Showers: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating eczema. Opt for lukewarm water and limit showers to 10-15 minutes.
- Use Gentle Cleansers: Choose mild cleansers that are less likely to irritate the skin.
- Manage Stress: Stress can trigger eczema flare-ups. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.
- Avoid Scratching: Scratching can worsen eczema and lead to infection. Keep your nails short and consider wearing gloves at night to prevent scratching while asleep.
- Dietary Considerations: While the connection between eczema and diet is unclear, some people find that certain foods can trigger symptoms. Keeping a food diary may help identify potential triggers.