How to Prevent Eczema

Don’t use heavily scented products
Products with heavy scents can cause itching and even worsen eczema symptoms. So stay away from overly perfumed soaps, lotions, and shampoos. Instead, choose unscented or lightly scented ones.

Wash sheets often
One of most common triggers for eczema flare-ups is dirty sheets. Wash your sheets and pillow cases once every week or two.

Use probiotics
Probiotics are live organisms that are beneficial for your gut. They can even reduce eczema symptoms in infants. Try adding probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, yoghurt and kimchi into your diet.

Use mineral water on face and body
Regular tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals, which can dry out skin. Try using a small spray bottle of mineral water (or even bottled spring water) to wet your face and body.

Avoid dairy products
If you or your family have a history of eczema, dairy products may cause flare-ups. Try eliminating cheese, milk and other dairy products from your diet for one month, then reintroduce them one at a time. If certain foods cause flare-ups when you eat them regularly, avoid those foods whenever possible. Make note of which ones cause problems so you can steer clear of them in the future.

Stay hydrated
Dehydration makes eczema worse, so it’s important to keep your body hydrated. This means you should always be drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugary soft drinks and alcohol that can lead to dehydration, as well as eating foods with a high water content like fruits and vegetables. It may seem difficult when you have eczema flares, but adding a bit more water into your diet is crucial for fighting off inflammation and itching.

Eat oily fish regularly
The omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish have anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent flare-ups of eczema. Other foods containing omega-3s include flaxseeds, walnuts, green leafy vegetables and pumpkin seeds. People with eczema may also be low in vitamin D and selenium, so aim for a healthy diet rich in these nutrients as well.