8 Ways to Manage your Eczema & Dermatitis

Eczema can feel like a never-ending battle. You’ve tried steroids, stronger steroids, and tried all the pharmaceutical emollient creams, yet the eczema persists. While your doctor may be doing their best to help in those short five-minute appointments, their approach often focuses on firefighting acute flare-ups rather than addressing the root cause of your condition. Steroids may provide short-term relief, but they are not a long-term solution for chronic eczema. Over time, they can weaken your skin’s barrier and cause further damage. That’s why taking control of your eczema holistically with thoughtful, proactive strategies is crucial. At Seb, we’re here to help you break the itch-scratch cycle and boost your skin’s resilience with these eight practical tips.

1. Choose Non-Irritating Emollients Many standard emollients contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can aggravate sensitive skin. If petroleum-based emollients aren’t working for you, consider switching to natural, oil-based alternatives. These tend to be gentler and more soothing. Apply your chosen emollient regularly, even when your skin feels good, to maintain its barrier and hydration.

2. Avoid Environmental Triggers External irritants like pet hair, pollen, detergents, and even water can exacerbate eczema. Keeping a flare-up diary can help you identify the specific triggers affecting your skin. Once identified, take steps to minimise exposure, such as switching to hypoallergenic laundry detergents or avoiding known irritants like grass seeds or harsh soaps.

3. Identify Dietary Triggers Food can play a significant role in eczema flare-ups. Common dietary triggers include dairy, eggs, wheat, nuts, citrus, and tomatoes. But everybody is different! So Keep a food diary and write down everything you eat, to try and discover if there is a particular food or drink that is causing your flare-ups.

4. Support Your Gut Health Your gut and skin are deeply connected, and nurturing your gut flora can significantly improve your skin’s health. Incorporate probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and fiber-rich vegetables into your diet. Avoid sugar and processed foods, which can disrupt gut balance, and focus on whole, nutrient-dense meals.

5. Check Your Toiletries Many high-street shampoos, cleansers, and lotions contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Always check product labels and steer clear of harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. When trying new products, never skip the patch test to ensure they won’t trigger a reaction.

6. Manage Stress Levels Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups. While eliminating stress entirely may not be realistic, finding effective ways to manage it can make a big difference. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking time for yourself can help calm both your mind and your skin. If stress is a recurring trigger, prioritise self-care and avoid high-anxiety situations whenever possible.

7. Feed Your Skin With Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Topical application of EFAs, like omega-3 and omega-6, can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and resilience. Emollients enriched with oils such as hemp seed, borage, or olive oil are particularly beneficial for eczema-prone skin. Incorporating these into your routine can strengthen your skin’s natural barrier over time. This can be hard fro those with Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dandruff and Psoriasis because these are Fungal conditions that feed from many fatty's acids. This is why you have to be particular about the ingredients applied on your skin. Our Natural Calming Serum is the Perfect solution for adding EFAs without feeding that pesky Malassezia Yeast.

8. Stay Cool Temperature extremes, whether hot or cold, can aggravate eczema. Opt for layers of breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo, which you can easily adjust as needed. Avoid hot showers or baths, as they can strip your skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water and pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel to avoid irritation.

By following these practical steps, you can take control of your eczema and reduce your reliance on steroids. Pairing these lifestyle changes with Seb’s carefully formulated skincare products can help soothe flare-ups, calm irritation, and support your skin’s journey to resilience.