Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is not only irritating but also can be anxiety-inducing for teens going through the pressures of high school–like acne. There’s at least some hope of acne getting better after puberty, but the underlying causes of eczema will still be present after puberty.

So how can teens manage eczema while in high school? Here are a few of the top tips you can use to help manage your eczema symptoms.

 

Eczema Tips for Teens

 

Moisturize

If you let your skin dry out during an eczema flare-up, it will make the symptoms worse. Moisturizing your skin will soothe itchiness, reduce irritation, and help prevent damage to your skin. 

 

What Are the Best Moisturizes for Eczema?

The obvious answer is, the best moisturizer is the one that works for you. 

Generally, you want to look for a scent-free moisturizer. The chemicals added to give creams and moisturizers their scent often cause more irritation.

Also, look for oil-based moisturizers like petroleum jelly, because they will make a protective barrier on top of your skin. That way you can nourish, soothe, and protect your skin all at the same time. 

Don’t fall for the promises of water-based moisturizers. They don’t offer the same protection.

 

Prescription Ointments

When you meet with a Tennessee dermatologist or dermatology expert, they can prescribe corticosteroid ointments to help your skin heal. Topical steroids will also reduce inflammation and swelling caused by eczema.

 

Avoid Irritants or Triggers

If you’ve had eczema for a few years, you should know what things cause your eczema to flare up. And once you know what causes your symptoms to flare up, you can avoid those triggers and avoid flare-ups!

That said, high school is a crazy time. You never know when a curveball will come out of left field. But, the better prepared you are, the better you can respond to what life throws your way.

 

Potential Eczema Triggers

• Food
• Stress
• Soaps that dry out your skin
• Pet hair and dander
• Allergies
• Cool and cold weather
• Heat
• Laundry detergent
• ??Fabric softener??

 

Turn Down The Heat

Hot showers feel so good, but did you know that extremely hot water is bad for your skin? And no, it’s not just that lobster look you get when you get out of a super hot shower. 

Hot showers are bad for your skin because as the water evaporates off of your skin, some of your skin’s natural moisture goes with it. As a result, your skin gets left more dehydrated than it was before your shower.

But just because lava-hot showers are bad, doesn’t mean you have to switch to ice-cold showers. Just turn down the heat a little bit so the water is just comfortably warm–instead of boiling hot.

 

Wear Soft Clothes and Avoid Itchy Fabric

Yes, this is your free pass to wear comfortable clothes. Go for soft cotton fabrics or clothes made from soft synthetic materials. Do your best to avoid coarse or itchy wools or anything that might make you itchy. And if you get itchy, the more you might scratch. And the more you scratch your skin, the more likely a flare-up will become. 

 

Don’t Scratch

Probably the most difficult tip to follow is don’t scratch. But scratching at the rash will further irritate your skin and make your eczema spread. Plus, scratching can also break up your skin, which puts you at risk for skin infections. Not to mention bleeding, scarring, and even more itching.

Moisturizing will help you soothe the itching feeling and will also prevent some of those absent-minded itches.

 

Stay Cool and Don’t Get Overheated

Thankfully, the cooler weather in the fall makes it easier to avoid getting overheated. But, if Tennessee’s weather refuses to act like it’s really fall, still do your best to not get too hot. 

Stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, and avoid any overly strenuous types of exercise.

 

Take Your Medicine

You should follow the steps of your care plan to the letter. Every step of your treatment plan plays a part in helping your eczema. Any missed doses could make your symptoms last longer and more difficult to manage.

 

Take Time to Relax

Stress is a very common cause of eczema flare-ups. It could be a sign that your body is telling you that you need to slow down and take a break. High school life is full of stressors, so knowing your limits, getting enough sleep, fueling your body with good food, and practicing mindfulness can seriously reduce your stress levels. Not to mention help you succeed in the long run!

 

Eczema Questions for Teens

 

Will Eczema Go Away in Teenagers?

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are usually worse for infants and young children. However, anyone can develop eczema. For kids who have had it since infanthood or early childhood, they tend to grow out of eczema.

However, if you got eczema closer to your teen years, it’s likely to stay with you for a while longer.

 

Does Eczema Get Worse During Puberty?

 

Atopic dermatitis differs widely from one person to another. So, it’s possible that your symptoms could either get better or worse during puberty.

 

What’s the Best Way to Manage Eczema?

On your own, the best way to deal with eczema is to learn what your triggers are, protect your skin, and stop scratching. 

However, the best way to manage your symptoms is to meet with a Tennessee dermatologist so they can review your symptoms, recommend additional appointments with immunologists, and create a comprehensive treatment plan for your eczema.

A treatment plan will typically include using one or more of the following medications to help you manage symptoms.

 

Steroid or Corticosteroid Creams

Use these after you moisturize your skin. The steroids will help reduce inflammation and help your skin repair itself.

 

Antihistamines

Used to reduce itchiness, inflammation, and allergic responses.

 

Topical Antiseptics

Used to cleanse broken skin and prevent infections.

 

How Do You Mentally Deal with Eczema?

You shouldn’t feel like eczema is your fault. It can be an embarrassing condition to have, especially if your symptoms show up on your arms, lower legs, neck, or face. The best way to take care of it is to see a doctor about it.

You could wear clothes or accessories that might hide your symptoms, and then wear short sleeves or shorts around people that you’re comfortable with. 

Worrying about what people think of your eczema is a big stressor, but preparing a few short explanations can help you feel more confident when someone asks. 

There’s no shame in having eczema since it’s not about how clean your skin is, like acne, it’s more about keeping physical triggers away from your skin.

 

Virtual Eczema Treatment with Tennessee TeleDerm

High school is a busy time, so having time for doctor’s appointments can be challenging. With Tennessee TeleDerm, all of our appointments are online and you can schedule them yourself through our patient portal, so you can choose a time that works for your schedule.