Eczema and Men’s Grooming - What Is It? How to Treat It?

Dry skin is a major problem. Your approach to men’s grooming should keep your skin hydrated and clean. 

But sometimes, the problem is more than just cold weather and dry air.

Over 30 million Americans suffer from eczema. What is eczema? How can you identify it? And what can you do to treat this common skin problem?

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a common and manageable skin condition. It appears mostly in babies and young children. The symptoms are not always the same, but usually include dry, itchy patches of skin on the cheeks and chin.

For the majority of children, eczema goes away as they grow up. But for some, it never goes away completely. And some adults develop eczema later in life despite never experiencing it as children. 

Some of the most common signs of eczema include:

• rash
• sores 
• inflammation and redness
• dry skin
• swelling
• oozing or crusting

Symptoms can vary and eczema can appear anywhere on your body. But the one major symptom that follows eczema anywhere it goes is an itch. Though it's often mild to moderate, the itchy sensation can become quite intense. So much so that it leads to inflamed skin and scratching to the point of bleeding. 

What Causes Eczema?

Genetics are to blame for most cases of eczema. So if it’s common in your family, chances are you will suffer from eczema as well. 

Outside factors can aggravate your eczema breakouts. Look out for:

• stress
• skin irritants
• allergens 

Treating Eczema

You may not be able to totally eliminate eczema. But there are effective ways to reduce the risk of flare ups. To prevent unnecessary bouts of dry, itchy skin:

• Avoid Skin Irritants: This includes alcohol-based hand cleansers, strong scented detergents, and soaps with heavy fragrances. All such products can aggravate your skin and lead to a severe case of eczema. Switch from traditional scented soaps unscented face wash for men. Choose natural men’s grooming products with gentle cleansing ingredients.

• Take Lukewarm Showers: Hot water can dry out your skin extra fast. Take lukewarm showers instead to keep your skin hydrated. If you’re dealing with an especially bad flare up, soaking in a lukewarm bath can be soothing. The National Eczema Association recommends bleach baths to help decrease the amount of bacteria on your skin. Salt baths, baking soda baths, and oatmeal baths can all help reduce pain and itch caused by eczema.

• Moisturize Daily: Eczema is worse if you let your skin get dry. Prevent this by using face moisturizer for men and body lotion for men immediately after showering. These products lock in moisture and prevent the excessive dryness. That minimizes that chance of to flaking and itchiness. Choose unscented, natural skincare for men products. You're always better with products that do not contain harsh chemicals or skin irritants. 

Keep Your Skin as Healthy as Possible

Living with eczema can be a struggle. Your skin is sensitive and reacts badly to most common skincare products. Be sure to use fragrance-free natural skincare for men products. Avoid harsh chemicals and other allergenic ingredients.

Do you find that your eczema flare ups are getting worse despite your best efforts at prevention? Visit your dermatologist and get their advice. They can help you manage your eczema and may prescribe medication to do so.

Eczema and other conditions that cause sensitive skin are not always easy to deal with. But you can keep your skin as healthy and clear as possible. Prepare a solid men’s grooming routine for sensitive skin. Always moisturize your skin after showering with face moisturizer for men and body lotion for men. Keep hand cream for men available for whenever you wash your hands.

With the right attitude and natural, fragrance-free products, you can look your best. Flare ups will still happen from time to time. But you can be confident that your men’s grooming efforts are getting you the best skin possible.