Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions that often require special and careful care. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when dealing with these conditions, which can worsen their skin problems.
Neurodermatitis, now an outdated term, is currently referred to in medical circles as atopic eczema. It is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Nearly one in ten children is affected, and many retain their symptoms into adulthood. Increasingly, the condition is also appearing unexpectedly for the first time at any age.
This article will tell you more about the characteristics of atopic dermatitis and how to best care for it.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that often begins in children but can also affect adults. It is caused by a disrupted skin barrier, leading to dry and sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and infection.
Characteristics of atopic dermatitis:
- Dry skin: The skin is extremely dry and rough.
- Itching: Intense itching that often leads to scratching and further skin damage.
- Inflammation: Reddish, inflamed areas of skin that sometimes weep or flake.
- Thickened skin: In chronic atopic dermatitis, the skin can become thickened and appear leathery.
Care tips for eczema
Proper skincare can help strengthen the skin barrier, relieve itching, and reduce inflammation.
1. Cleaning
Many conventional skincare products contain harsh ingredients such as fragrances, alcohol, and sulfates that can irritate the skin. Those affected should switch to mild, hypoallergenic products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Gentle, moisturizing cleansing is crucial to prevent further drying of the skin.Frequent washing can damage the skin's natural protective barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. It's important not to over-cleanse and to use gentle, pH-neutral cleansers. Trinitae therefore highly recommends that customers prone to atopic dermatitis switch to moisturizing soaps. The myth that soap is drying is also easily debunked.
- Product: A mild cleansing lotion, or preferably a cleansing oil or plant-based rich soap
- Trinitae recommendation: The Trinitae luxury mud soap was specially developed for skin prone to neurodermatitis. The Trinitae olive oil soap with lavender or bay leaf has also proven to be very effective.
- Directions: Use morning and evening. Gently massage the lather onto wet skin and then rinse thoroughly. Do not rub; pat dry with a towel. Change towels daily.
- Taboo: Scrubs, alcohol-based products, excessive washing, harsh rubbing
2. Moisturizing care, extra re-oiling
Regular moisturizing is essential to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent dryness. For particularly stressed skin, replenishing its natural oils is crucial, as applied oils or waxes prevent the skin's own moisture from escaping. This also makes the skin much more elastic, thus preventing cracking.
- Product: A rich, hypoallergenic moisturizing cream or ointment.
- Ingredients: Shea butter, ceramides, Dead Sea salt minerals, hyaluronic acid and natural oils such as jojoba oil and almond oil.
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Trinity Recommendation:
For facial care: Use pure jojoba oil or Trinitae Day Cream with Dead Sea Salt during the day and Face Nourishment at night. For body care: The Trinitae Blue Dead Sea Mud line has been specially developed to care for very dry skin, as well as skin prone to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
- Application: Apply the moisturizing cream several times a day, especially after bathing or showering.
3. Relieve itching
Scratching or rubbing the affected skin can worsen symptoms and further weaken the skin barrier. It is extremely unwise to touch and scratch inflamed and itchy areas with your hand, especially with long nails. This can introduce more bacteria into the wound and worsen the inflammation. Instead, those affected should cover the area with a soft, clean cloth and gently pat or dab the skin to relieve itching. Anti-itch products can help control symptoms and prevent skin damage from scratching.
- Product: Ointments containing magnesium and zinc often bring relief.
- Application: Apply the products to the itchy areas as needed.
- Tip: In particularly severe cases, you can apply a thin layer of zinc or magnesium ointment, or, according to our customer feedback, applying Trinitae Mud Body Lotion underneath has also proven very helpful. Another special tip from one of our customers: Make a thick paste from baking soda and a little water, cover itching and irritations with it, and secure it with a bandage – this is often sufficient. For many sufferers, ice or a cloth placed in the refrigerator also provides quick relief.
4. Treat and prevent inflammation
Special treatment products can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Dead Sea salt baths and/or Dead Sea mud masks, if you don't have a bath at home, have proven very effective as preventative measures. At Trinitae, we've found that regular bathing is more beneficial than harmful. It's not the frequency that matters, but the type of bath. While hot baths are pleasant, they should be limited to a temperature of around 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Extremely hot baths should be avoided. We believe the benefits of bathing outweigh the risks, so almost everyone prone to eczema and psoriasis should bathe weekly. Alkaline bath bombs with plant-based, moisturizing oils are particularly popular. It's important to note that proper bathing should follow certain guidelines. We will provide detailed information on various bathing treatments, such as alkaline baths, mineral baths, and soothing and nourishing baths.
- Product: Pure Dead Sea salt, alkaline baths or Dead Sea mud
- Application: Dead Sea mud: It is recommended to knead the mud pack with your hands before opening. If you wish to use the mud for tension or joint pain, the pack should be warmed in a water bath to a maximum of 50 degrees Celsius before treatment. After application, the mud dries within 15 minutes and can then be rinsed off. For better absorption of minerals, a rest period of approximately 30 minutes should be taken after treatment. For information on the use of Dead Sea salt and alkaline bath bombs: please click here.
Why does it work?
The organic matter in the mud consists primarily of humic acid. Humic acid is a complex mixture of various molecules, including phenolic substances and sugar-like compounds. This composition allows the ingredients to be absorbed through the skin and exert their beneficial effects throughout the body. This is why mud treatments have gained significant importance not only in dermatology but also in rheumatology.
From a medical perspective, the natural minerals play a particularly important role in the treatment. The high magnesium concentration provides the skin with anti-allergic elements and supports the natural metabolism of the cells. Sodium, potassium, and calcium have an exfoliating and antibacterial effect and support the skin's wound healing process.
Based on these findings, TRINITAE has developed a Dead Sea mud line that can be used as a supportive treatment for acne, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, and rheumatic diseases. The mud is harvested in its natural form from the edge of the Dead Sea and packaged in its natural state.
5. Sun protection
Use sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV rays, which can worsen inflammation. UV rays can exacerbate the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis and cause inflammation. Those affected should therefore always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), especially when spending time outdoors. It's important to note that many conventional cosmetic brands contain numerous irritating chemicals in their sunscreens. Choosing organic brands is advisable. Always carefully analyze the ingredients, as some can intensify irritation.
Nevertheless, the right balance is crucial. Vitamin D is extremely important for our bodies, and the best way to obtain it is naturally through sun exposure. It is sometimes suspected that a vitamin D deficiency plays a role in this. Therefore, sunlight plays an important role in atopic dermatitis (eczema). Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be particularly important in inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune disorders.
- Product recommendation: A hypoallergenic and natural sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
- Application: Apply the sunscreen in the morning as the last step in your skincare routine. Reapply if you will be exposed to the sun for an extended period.
- Tip: Exposing yourself to sunlight for 15 minutes daily without sunscreen, and only applying sunscreen afterward, can contribute to vitamin D production. The correct dosage is crucial. Everyone should determine for themselves how long this takes and whether this tip is helpful. It's important to avoid the midday sun. The lower the sun is in the sky, the longer you can be exposed to its rays; especially during sunset. This is not only good for your skin, but also for your well-being.
Lifestyle tips for healthy skin
In addition to external care, lifestyle also plays an important role in skin health.
1. Healthy diet
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help improve your skin. Avoid foods that can promote inflammation, such as sugar and processed foods. Sometimes dairy products and gluten-containing grains can act as triggers. Personalized nutritional counseling can help identify specific triggers and plan a suitable diet. It's important to keep a food diary to determine which foods worsen your symptoms.
An unbalanced diet can worsen the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Those affected should pay attention to a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins to support skin health. There are also many books available on this topic.
Tip: Foods you should absolutely avoid if you have eczema
Avoid citrus fruits and products containing citric acid.
It is suspected that an overly acidic body may be a possible trigger for atopic dermatitis. Therefore, avoiding citrus fruits and products containing citric acid can lead to a reduction in symptoms for some sufferers. Many people with atopic dermatitis have experienced significant relief through an alkaline diet.
Explanation:
- Citrus fruits and products containing citric acid: These foods can irritate the skin and worsen inflammation. Avoiding citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, as well as products containing citric acid, can relieve the skin's irritation.
- Alkaline diet: An alkaline diet focuses on consuming foods that balance the body's acid-base levels. These include fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as certain legumes and whole grains. Such a diet can help reduce acidity in the body and thus promote skin health.
2. Drink enough water
Drink enough water every day to hydrate your skin from the inside out and flush out toxins. Adequate hydration is a simple yet effective step to alleviate eczema symptoms and promote skin health. Make sure to drink water regularly and incorporate water-rich foods into your diet to ensure optimal hydration and skin care.
Tips for adequate water intake: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, which is about 2 liters. Depending on body weight, activity level, and climate, you may need more water. Supplement your water intake with water-rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelons, oranges (if citrus fruits are tolerated), strawberries, and zucchini. Drink herbal teas or water with fresh herbs and fruits for variety and added flavor. Reduce your consumption of coffee, alcohol, and sugary drinks, as these can be dehydrating.
3. Stress reduction
Stress can worsen eczema. Stress can trigger flare-ups of eczema and psoriasis. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve skin health.
Tip: The Buteyko method, in particular, has become popular and is considered a hidden gem. This method is scientifically proven and has been used for over 60 years. It's recommended to simply search for a book on the subject on Amazon. Unfortunately, many better editions are available in English, but there are now also many good German books and translations that are comparable.
4. Avoid irritants
Certain triggers, such as stress, allergic reactions, and certain foods, can trigger or worsen flare-ups of eczema and psoriasis. It is important to identify and avoid these triggers to keep symptoms under control. It is emphasized again that all exfoliating products should be avoided, such as scrubs, exfoliating soaps, sponges, or even rough clothing. Therefore, underwear made of soft organic cotton should always be worn (due to the chemicals used in the processing of regular cotton; black socks are particularly at risk).
Also avoid irritants such as fragrances, harsh cleaning agents, and unfortunately, sometimes animals can also trigger flare-ups.
Conclusion
Atopic dermatitis requires special attention and care to strengthen the skin barrier and alleviate symptoms. With the right skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle, you can optimally support your skin and give it a healthy, calm appearance. Visit our shop for a selection of natural skincare products specifically formulated for atopic dermatitis to help your skin improve.
We hope this guide helps you better understand and care for your skin. Stay tuned for more tips and information on skincare!