● Curcumin : This is a bright yellow substance found in turmeric, and a member of the ginger family. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. ● Sunflower seed oil : This has anti-inflammatory properties and may boost the skin’s barrier function, helping to retain moisture. ● Apple cider vinegar : This is a natural remedy used to treat scalp itchiness and other skin conditions. However, apple cider vinegar should be diluted with water and never applied to open wounds to avoid the side effects of burning and possible irritation. Managing potential eczema flare-ups and triggers Eczema flare-ups or triggers can be caused by one or more factors. Recognizing these triggers and identifying beneficial treatment options can help the skin care professional build rapport with clients and achieve optimal results: ● Infection/skin injury : Eczema can become infected with bacteria and viruses such as fever blisters and cold sores. Certain kinds of fungus are common triggers for infection. ● Emotional stress : Try to remove stress; many people link stress to their outbreaks. ● Diet : Some foods known to trigger flare-ups include spices, tomatoes, eggplant, white potatoes, processed foods, refined sugar, citrus, dairy, and alcohol. ● Environment : Cold weather, dry air, low humidity, emissions, pollution, irritants, allergens, microbes, hormones, and pesticides can all trigger eczema flare- ups. Clients should be told to avoid sweating, wear wicking fabrics, and change wet clothing immediately to avoid triggering a flare-up. ● Irritants : These include soap and household cleaners, baby wipes, synthetic fragrances, detergents, certain fabrics (wools, polyester), formaldehyde (used as a preservative found in hair gel, nail polish, glue, adhesives, and some vaccines), and certain metals (such as nickel, chromium, and cobalt). ● Allergens : These include pet dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and ragweed. ● Chemicals : These include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) found in toiletries, toothpaste, bubble bath; para phenylene-diamine (found in hair and leather dyes, tattoos); pesticides; isothiazolinones; antibacterial found in personal care products; neomycin and bacitracin, found in antibacterial ointments; and Cocamidopropyl betaine (a surfactant used to thicken shampoo and lotion known to cause irritation and allergic contact dermatitis). Isopropyl alcohol, an antibacterial solvent found in shaving creams and other men’s skin care products, is another chemical trigger. ● Essential oils : Although natural essential oils are beneficial for skin, some can cause skin irritation. These include peppermint oil, eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, and bath salts. ● Medications : Certain drugs can trigger an outbreak and should be avoided: lithium (used to treat psychiatric disorders), cardioquin, quinidine and quinidex medications for arrhythmias, beta-blockers (propranolol, Inderal) for the heart and circulation, and the antimalaria drug chloroquine. (Campbell et al., 2018). ● Hormones : These substances produced by the body can sometimes fluctuate causing triggers and flare-ups, particularly during pregnancy and menstrual periods. ● Fragrance : Allergies to synthetic fragrance are common among clients with sensitive skin; therefore, cosmetic fragrances, as well as fragrances in personal care and household products, should be avoided.
● Linens : Use synthetic fiber pillows and impermeable mattress covers, and wash bedding in hot water, using fragrance-free laundry detergent. Reduce mold by using dehumidifiers in the basement and wet rooms. ● Wet wraps : An intensive treatment for severe atopic dermatitis involves wrapping the affected area with topical corticosteroids and wet bandages. ● Skin care products : Professionals should recommend a non-irritating product line that does not contain fragrance or dyes. Cleanse skin with a sulfate-free cleanser and use a mineral-based toner to balance pH. Also recommended are physical sunscreen and serums. ● Counseling : Living with atopic dermatitis can be extremely stressful, depressing, and embarrassing for clients affected by this skin disease. It can cause financial, social, and emotional problems and even cause sleeping issues. If a client is experiencing any of these problems, a support group or a mental health therapist could be beneficial. ● No scratching/rubbing : Atopic dermatitis is a disorder associated with dry, irritated skin, intense itching, scratching, and rubbing. Keeping fingernails short and resisting the urge to scratch will help to reduce the likelihood of increasing inflammation and developing a bacterial skin infection due to the broken skin. ● Clothing : Wear cotton, soft, and loose clothing. Wear gloves and scarves to protect exposed skin from outside elements. ● Moisture : Moisturizing is key to helping restore the skin’s barrier function and managing eczema symptoms. When skin becomes too dry, it becomes irritated and can cause flare-ups. ● Bathing : Soaking in a warm bath or shower is an effective treatment. Adding bleach, vinegar, dead sea salt, baking soda, and oatmeal to bath water may help to soothe symptoms. Natural ingredients and remedies for eczema The overall goal for the eczema client is healing, repairing, and protecting the skin’s barrier function from infection and further damage. As a skilled esthetician, look for beneficial skin care product ingredients that have an antibacterial and antimicrobial effect. These will help to protect the barrier and prevent infection: ● Aloe vera : This contains soothing benefits, is anti- inflammatory and antibacterial, and moisturizes the skin to reduce itchiness and dryness. ● Echinacea : This reduces inflammation and improves skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. ● Manuka honey : This type of honey is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and moisturizing, containing antioxidants. ● Coconut oil : This has a natural ability to penetrate the skin, boost hydration, fight itch, and reduce the chances of infection due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. ● Chamomile : This is a calming astringent with anti- bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains the fatty acids rutin and quercetin. ● Jojoba oil : This protects skin from water loss and is very similar to human skin’s sebum. Helps to relieve itchiness and dryness of eczema and psoriasis conditions. ● Vitamin E : This is a natural preservative and antioxidant. ● Ceramides : These are found in creams, lotion, and ointments and help to seal in moisture. They include shea butter and petroleum jelly. ● Botanicals : Marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm, flax, and fenugreek can all help. Black currant seed oil is one anti-inflammatory that contains omega-3 and has moisturizing properties.
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