10 Things Women With Eczema Should Always Have With Them

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition in which your skin becomes red, itchy, and dry. Almost 32 million people in the U.S. suffer from this uncomfortable condition, according to the National Eczema Association. It often runs in families, and many people deal with eczema from early childhood. If you’re on the go, dealing with a flare-up, as many eczema sufferers frequently do, can be a real challenge. To help you cope, here are 10 key items to keep with you so you feel better, no matter where you are.

If you have eczema, the barrier of your skin is damaged, which means that bacteria, germs, and allergens can bother you more intensely. Also, eczema makes it hard for your skin to hold onto water, so it can become even more dry and itchy, plus cracked and painful. You need a thick, fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizer in your bag at all times. Plain old Vaseline can be a great choice. Rub the moisturizer between your palms and apply it with downward strokes to your skin for good absorption, and reapply often.

An antihistamine like Benadryl can reduce the itchiness of your skin. It can also help ease the inflammation you can see and feel on your skin during an eczema flare-up. You also might want to keep some Tylenol with you, which will reduce any sensation of burning or pain you may experience.

You can buy a topical hydrocortisone product over the counter. It’s a mild steroid that will help stop itching and soothe irritated skin. You can choose a gel, lotion, cream, or ointment, and apply one to four times a day for up to a week. Check with your doctor if your skin is not getting better by that time.

If you’re going on a trip, a portable humidifier can be a lifesaver. The water vapor from a humidifier can help control eczema by adding moisture to a dry room, which will keep your skin smoother and may prevent a flare-up. Choose a cool mist humidifier. It’s safer than a warm mist model, which carries the risk of burns to your skin. The cool water vapor is also soothing, and may help you relax and sleep well too.

100% cotton is the perfect fabric for easing eczema symptoms. It absorbs irritants like sweat, and feels cool and comfortable against your skin. Throw a cotton t-shirt in your bag so you can change any time the clothes you are wearing start to irritate your skin.

Another great item to have on hand for that vacation or business trip is a soft, silky pillowcase. Research shows that the smooth, round fibers that make up silk don’t irritate skin during an eczema flare-up. In fact, silk soothes irritated skin, according to many eczema patients. Silk also stops you from sweating, so sleeping on a silk pillowcase could give you major relief and a better night’s sleep during a flare-up.

Some eczema patients with severe flare-ups swear by wet wraps. Wet wraps are pieces of cotton gauze that are immersed in water and applied to affected areas of the skin for several hours. On the go, if you feel discomfort, you can do a shorter version of a wet wrap. Duck into the ladies room, pull out some gauze, dampen it under the faucet, and hold it to your skin for quick relief.

Coconut oil is an all-purpose product. When it comes to eczema, the antibacterial properties of coconut oil could prove to be protective against germs aggravating your skin. Try using it in addition to your moisturizer. It feels comforting and smells good too.

Trim your nails short and file them smooth to avoid tearing your skin if you just have to scratch – which you shouldn’t. Treat yourself to a bottle of your favorite nail polish color, too, or get a professional manicure. When your nails look pretty, you’re less likely to risk chipping or nicking them by scratching away.

Eczema flare-ups can be made worse by stress. Listening to your favorite music throughout the day can be the easiest, most enjoyable way to relax your body and mind. Be good to you! Self-compassion can go a long way when it comes to helping yourself feel better.