Advice for managing your eczema this festive season
If you’ve got eczema, the seasonal period brings its challenges but we’ve got some tips to help you enjoy a relaxing, yet fun, festive season, all whilst looking after your skin!
1. Decorations
Trees, lights and decorations provide lovely, festive cheer, but the dust they harbour can play havoc with eczema. Try to go for options that are smooth and easy to damp dust. If tree sap is a trigger for you, consider an artificial tree.
2. Pace yourself
Christmas is a time when everything we learn about looking after ourselves during the rest of the year seems to go out of the window. Back-to-back nights out, long shopping trips, trave and family get-togethers can all take their toll. Have fun – but remember, sometime less is more.
3. Be honest
Living well with eczema means making some adjustments in life. If something isn’t going to work for you – a get-together or an event – just explain clearly, but kindly. If someone gets it wrong that’s not their fault, but don’t put your needs second.
4. Stay cool
Obviously, when it comes to being awesome, as a member of the NES community, you’re as cool as it gets! But we’re talking about temperatures. Central heating and crowded rooms aren’t great for eczema. Plan ahead, dress accordingly, and step out for fresh air if you need to.
5. Routine
After a late night it’s easy to skip the emollient ‘just this once’. But hard-won routines can quickly unravel – especially as other daily routines melt away over the festive period. Staying on top of things is the best way to prevent a flare.
6. Overnight stays
It’s lovely to visit others at this time of year, although this presents a host of challenges. You might need to bring your own bedding, damp dust the room and turn the temperature down. Plan ahead and have a chat with them about what you’ll need.
7. Having guests
Hosting is great fun, but can be a lot of pressure. If the thought of pulling off a large party send your heart racing, try something smaller. When it comes to catering, find some shortcuts if you need to. What’s most important is you enjoying yourself alongside your guests!
8. Make-up
For many, the party season is all about looking glam. But it’s not always easy to find make up that works for you. Look for products with as few additives as possible and test them in advance. Remember, products labelled ‘natural’ may contain irritants. Always check the ingredients!
9. Food and drink
It’s hard to avoid eating and drinking differently at this time of year – even if you wanted to. But if you have eczema, what you put into your body will have some effects on your skin. Try to keep quieter days over the festive period for consuming healthier options for your skin. Your skin will thank you!
10. Dressing up
Skin prone to eczema likes natural fabrics that let your skin breathe, layered for comfort. So when it comes to getting dressed up you might need to compromise. There are plenty of options. For example, can you invest in one silk dress or shirt for special occasions?
11. Stock up on medicines
The only thing worse than a last-minute scramble to a 24-hour chemist is running out of medicines altogether. Find out about closing times well in advance. If you need to order your prescription earlier than usual, leave time for your prescriber to sign this off.
12. A word about gifts
If you have eczema, over the years you may have received a sizeable haul of toiletries from hopeful gift-givers. If someone always gives you these, why not explain your doctor has told you to avoid them. If they’re really stuck, you could suggest a donation to National Eczema Society!
We hope our tips will help you to prepare for and enjoy your festive period with family and friends. If there’s anything specific you would like to learn about, please visit our information and advice, where you will find guidance on several eczema related topics.
Our very best wishes of the season,
National Eczema Society