To prevent contact dermatitis, it is essential to avoid those products and substances that irritate your skin. There is going to be a lot of individual variation in this, since each of us reacts differently to the chemicals in common products.
Tests products first thing in the morning, then wait a while to see what reaction you might have. Do not use another possible reactant for a while and only test one product per day, otherwise if you have a reaction later you will not know for sure what caused it.
This testing can be done for foods, too. Anecdotally, I know that some people's eczema clears up when they stop eating the foods that caused it. In this case, the testing requires a bit more rigor, according to some nutritionists. If you suspect a food might trigger your eczema, stop eating that food for a month or two. Then add it back into your diet once every four days. By rotating the food you minimize the possibility of redeveloping a reaction. If the four-day rotation is too soon, try an eight-day rotation.
Because avoiding dry skin may be one factor in helping prevent future bouts of dermatitis, here are some ways to do that:
- Bathe less frequently, even every second or third day. When bathing, limit yourself to 15 to 20 minutes, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
- Experiment with mild soaps, including ones without fragrance in case you have an allergy to the chemicals in the perfume. Use soap only on your face, underarms, genital areas, hands and feet. Use clear water elsewhere.
- Dry carefully. Brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing.
- Moisturize your skin. Seal in moisture, while your skin is still damp, with an oil or cream. Pay special attention to your legs, arms, back and the sides of your body.
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