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Many people struggle with dry skin, but if you suffer eczema, you’ve experienced a whole different level of dry skin. Eczema isn’t just a couple of dry patches of skin on your knees and elbows. It’s a general term for a set of chronic skin conditions caused by inflammation. There are various degrees of eczema, raging from mild to severe. Even those with mild eczema experience extreme discomfort caused by itchy, dry skin. It can be hard to navigate through life without further irritating your skin.
If you have eczema, there’s one thing you should always avoid: anti-bacterial soaps. Anti-bacterial soaps can cause skin dryness, even if you don’t have eczema. It can result in mild itching, redness, irritation or flaking. Now imagine putting anti-bacterial on skin already affected by eczema. Ouch! Using an anti-bacterial soap on skin with eczema can be extremely painful. Antibacterial soaps are extremely harsh, so if you have eczema, you should always use a mild oil-based soap instead. Dr. Bronner’s Castille Liquid Castile Soap is a great alternative.
There are several other eczema triggers you should avoid if you suffer from the skin condition:
- Cold weather: Winter weather can further irritate dry skin, so during the cold months, be sure to use a heavy moisturizer.
- Perfumes: Most perfumes contain alcohol, which can make eczema flare-ups even worse.
- Wool: Clothing made of wool, synthetics, or other rough materials can trigger eczema. Wear clothing made of cotton and be sure to always wash a new garment before wearing it. This will help get rid of dye residue or other irritants.
- Cosmetics: Before trying out a new makeup or skincare product, examine the label for ingredients that can irritate your skin. Look out for alcohol, perfumes, lanolin, or preservatives.
READ MORE: 9 Uses For Castile Soap That Will Make You Wonder How You Ever Lived Without It
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