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Fragrance-free living with eczema can be a practical way to reduce exposure to potential irritants and allergens in everyday life. Fragrance can be found in everything from skincare and haircare to laundry detergents, cleaning products, air fresheners and candles. For some people living with eczema, fragranced products can contribute to itching, redness, dryness or discomfort. Because eczema-prone skin has a more vulnerable skin barrier, being mindful of the products that com

Eczema-friendly household cleaning products may help reduce unnecessary exposure to ingredients that can leave sensitive or eczema-prone skin feeling dry, itchy or irritated. When someone in your household lives with eczema, it is worth considering more than the skincare products they use. Dishwashing liquids, laundry products, surface sprays, disinfectants and bathroom cleaners can all come into contact with the skin or leave residue on frequently touched surfaces. Some prod

For many people living with eczema, nighttime can be the most difficult part of the day. Itching may feel more intense, sleep can be disrupted, and scratching can lead to even more irritation. Nighttime itching with eczema is common, and it is not simply “in your head”. Changes in the skin, the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle and the quiet of nighttime can all influence how strongly you experience itch. Although there is no single solution that works for everyone, supporting

Urea in skincare is one of the quiet achievers for dry, rough and eczema prone skin. Urea is a substance naturally found in the skin, where it helps support moisture balance and keep the outer layer feeling soft, smooth and comfortable. When used in creams, lotions or ointments, urea can help attract and hold water in the outer layer of the skin, making it especially useful for dryness, tightness, flaking and the dull, ashy look that can appear when the skin barrier is strugg

Should you use a humidifier for eczema? If you live with eczema, dry indoor air can be a sneaky trigger. When the air is low in humidity, it can pull water out of the outer skin layer, known as the stratum corneum. This outer layer is meant to act like a seal to help keep moisture in, but eczema prone skin often has a weaker barrier, which means it can lose water faster. The result can be tighter, rougher skin and more itch, which may increase scratching and the risk of a fla

As the weather cools, many people notice a change in their skin. What once felt balanced can quickly become dry, tight, flaky, and irritated. For those living with eczema or sensitive skin, winter can be particularly challenging, with flare-ups becoming more frequent and harder to manage. The drop in temperature and humidity plays a big role. Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating further dries out the environment. This combination draws moisture away from the skin,

Here are some tips that you may want to incorporate into your “safe scratch” plan: Be mindful of scratching. Have a plan to stop before you are out of control. Sometimes scratching becomes a habit, so be mindful! Have a STOP pose. “Mine is pulling my hands off my body in the ‘prayer’ position. Then I count to 60 to see if I can stop scratching for 60 seconds. Usually if I can refrain for 60 seconds, I have won,” Palace comments. “Sit on your hands until you feel more in contr

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that uses very fine needles placed at specific points on the body. In traditional practice, these points are thought to influence the flow of energy (often called qi). From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture may work by stimulating nerves, muscles and connective tissue, which can influence pain pathways and other chemical signals in the body. So, where does eczema fit into this? Many people living with eczema are u

Internal and External Microbiome-Based Therapies for Eczema Microbiome eczema research is changing how we understand skin health and inflammation. Your skin and gut are home to billions of microorganisms that play a key role in eczema, influencing both the skin barrier and immune system. This image was generated with AI Microbiome Eczema and Skin Health Your skin is home to billions of bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms. Together, they make up the skin microbiome . M

Vitamin D eczema research has gained attention as scientists explore whether vitamin D levels may influence eczema severity and symptoms. Vitamin D supports bone health and helps regulate immune function. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is immune-driven, but it is not classed as an autoimmune disease. Research has looked at whether low vitamin D levels are linked with worse eczema, and whether supplements help. Can vitamin D supplements improve eczema symptoms Overall, studies s

Food does not “cause” eczema, and there is no single eczema diet that works for everyone. However, what you eat can influence inflammation, gut comfort, sleep, energy, and overall wellbeing, all of which can affect how your skin feels day to day. A simple starting point is to aim for a mostly whole-food diet and reduce ultra-processed foods that tend to be higher in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fats, and fried ingredients. Many people find their skin feels c

Daily eczema habits can make a real difference in how your skin feels and how often flare ups occur. Living with eczema can feel like walking a fine line between comfort and irritation. Beyond the dry, itchy patches, it can affect confidence, sleep, and even daily routines. The unpredictability of flare-ups often leaves people feeling frustrated, self-conscious, or simply exhausted. The good news is that daily habits matter. When you understand your triggers and build a simp

By Dr Kate DeAmbrosis BMed. (Hons) (Newcastle) FACD Specialist, MPH, Dermatologist In Australia, cornerstone to the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) is skin barrier restoration and repair, with escalation to phototherapy and systemic agents if required. Foundational therapy remains as liberal application of emollients, trigger avoidance, and anti-inflammatory topicals (moderate to potent topical corticosteroids), with topical calcineurin inhibitors

Moisturising is the foundation For most people with eczema, moisturising is not optional; it is core treatment. Aim for frequent, liberal application to keep skin soft and reduce itch and cracking. People who suffer with eczema tend to lose moisture from their skin barrier and one of the most important elements in managing eczema is to keep the skin soft and supple by frequent and liberal use of topical moisturisers, commonly known as moisturisers. Choosing the right moisturi

Autumn is a common flare-up season for eczema. The weather can swing from warm to cold in a single day, and those quick shifts can stress sensitive skin. Moving between a heated indoor environment and cool outdoor air is a classic trigger. The skin can struggle to adjust, and the result is often dryness, itching, and inflammation. As the temperature drops, the air usually becomes drier. This pulls moisture from the skin and weakens the skin barrier, which is already more frag

Having a child with eczema can be both stressful and overwhelming. From infancy through adolescence, a child’s needs change, and so too do the responsibilities of the caregiver. Each stage brings new challenges, and the constant adjustments can be exhausting. The unpredictable nature of eczema often adds anxiety, stress, and a sense of isolation. These feelings are natural, but if left unaddressed, they can affect both your well-being and your relationship with the child you

Many eczema sufferers struggle to communicate with their healthcare providers. Here are some ways you can talk to your doctor or dermatologist more easily and get results that may improve your skin condition. If you’re wondering what questions to ask a doctor your doctor about eczema or what to say, there are also some conversation starters for you. Express How eczema affects your life Everyone’s experience with eczema is unique. Let your doctor know how the skin disease affe

Food triggers vs eczema flare-ups can be challenging for parents of children with eczema to understand. When flare-ups occur, it can be difficult to know whether they are caused by foods, environmental triggers, or the underlying skin condition itself. While certain foods can exacerbate eczema symptoms, it is important to distinguish between true allergic reactions and flare-ups driven by the inflammatory nature of eczema. Understanding the difference can help families manag

Living with eczema can be exhausting – physically and emotionally. The itch, discomfort, and unpredictability of flare-ups can take a...