Eczema Treatments: Red Light Therapy For Eczema

person applying cream to their arm

Living with eczema is frustrating, especially because the symptoms that come with this condition are uncomfortable and there is no known cure. This skin condition can be extremely unpredictable, and without knowing what causes eczema flare ups it can make this condition difficult to manage. Since this skin problem varies from person to person, deciding on the right eczema treatments can be a daunting decision with an array of different opinions available. Luckily, we can help. In this blog we explore eczema causes, and how to get rid of eczema with different methods including red light therapy. If you’re living with this skin condition and are looking for effective eczema treatments, then continue reading.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that is uncomfortable to live with due to its irritating symptoms. It normally results in dry and itchy patches on the hands, neck, face, elbows and knees, although eczema can appear on any part of the body. These patches can flare up when coming into contact with a known trigger such as an irritant or allergen. Affecting 1.5 million people in the UK, knowing how to treat and effectively manage eczema can be the key in finding relief to this chronic skin condition.

Eczema Symptoms

If you live with this persistent dermatological issue, you will know that eczema symptoms can be extremely irritating, from dry skin that results in intense itching, to inflammation. Managing these eczema symptoms is a step towards feeling like yourself again and living a normal life.

  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Dry skin
  • Inflammation
  • Rashes
  • Thickened skin
  • Pain
  • Burning
  • Sensitive skin
  • Trouble sleeping
Woman performing skincare

Eczema Causes

Although anyone can develop eczema at any age, this skin condition typically presents itself during infancy or childhood. Although it’s still relatively unknown what causes eczema in certain people, there are some factors that are thought to contribute to its appearance.

  • Genetics
  • Immune system
  • Environment
  • Skin barrier (protects from allergens)
  • Changes in temperature/humidity
  • Stress
  • Dietary factors

What Causes Eczema Flare Ups

  • Irritants

Individuals with eczema will have different irritants, therefore monitoring how your body reacts to different products is important to reduce flare ups. Exposure to irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances and certain fabrics can all trigger an eczema flare up. It’s important to choose gentle and hypoallergenic (none/slightly allergenic) products to prevent uncomfortable symptoms.

  • Allergens

Allergic reactions to certain substances can trigger eczema symptoms. Common allergens such as pollen, dust, mould and even certain foods cause eczema flare ups. Identifying what causes these flare ups is key to minimising exposure and managing this condition.

  • Dry skin

Cold and dry weather can strip the skin of moisture, leading to dryness and triggering eczema. This is especially true in winter when the use of indoor heating can irritate and dehydrate the skin. Maintaining hydration through regularly moisturising as well as using a humidifier is particularly important during the colder seasons.

  • Stress and anxiety

Emotional stress and anxiety can also trigger eczema symptoms. Implementing stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation and relaxation exercises can help you minimise stress levels and minimise stress related eczema flare ups.

  • Sweating

Excessive sweating can irritate the skin and contribute to eczema flare ups. This can be a problem in summer and can affect the skin where sweat gathers, particularly around the armpit, back of the knees and elbows. When it’s hot, it’s important to rinse off sweat promptly and choose breathable fabrics.

  • Scratching

Since eczema is extremely irritating, it’s tempting to try and alleviate some of the itching by scratching the affected area. But it’s important that you don’t! Scratching the affected area can worsen the eczema symptoms and lead to more severe inflammation. Scratching can also cause damage to the skin which could even lead to bleeding, and increases the risk of the skin becoming infected. Breaking the ‘itch-scratch cycle’ is crucial in managing eczema.

  • Clothes

Wearing clothes that are made from rough or irritating fabrics can contribute to eczema flare ups. This is because the tough fibres can scratch and irritate the affected skin. Opting for soft, breathable fabrics can help to reduce irritation offering you some relief.

How To Treat Eczema

There are many different eczema treatments you can try if you are aiming to relieve your symptoms and manage this skin problem more easily. 

  • Moisturisers

Since one of the main and problematic eczema symptoms is dry skin, which can make it very tempting to scratch. Finding the best cream for eczema itching can provide you with some relief during persistent flare ups. Whether you opt for a medicated cream, or moisturiser to help hydrate the skin. Picking the best cream for eczema itching can help to strengthen the skin barrier, and ultimately help you better manage this condition.

  • Medications

Whether you choose to opt for anti-inflammatory medications or antihistamines, choosing to treat your eczema with medication is often the recommended route for those with intense symptoms. These medications can help to relieve redness and itching during flare ups, as well as improving sleep by reducing the urge to scratch especially at night. It’s important that you consult a medical professional before you start taking any medications.

  • Avoiding triggers

Knowing your triggers is important when looking at how to treat eczema. For example, if you know that using a certain soap or detergent can cause you to experience flare ups, then avoiding those products can drastically help in reducing your symptoms. Also, if you know that periods of stress is what leads to your eczema getting worse, then implementing some mindfulness practices can provide you with some relief.

Woman looking in the mirror.

Red light therapy For Eczema

Red light therapy for eczema is a fantastic treatment if you’re looking for a non-invasive solution to your skin problems. Also known as photobiomodulation, this technology uses specific wavelengths of near infrared light which penetrates the skin’s surface, and stimulates the mitochondria in the cells. By enhancing cellular activity this promotes cell repair, reduces inflammation and improves circulation in the body. 

Since eczema causes the skin to become inflamed, this can help relieve these symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin’s surface. Red light therapy can also encourage collagen production, which assists the body in restoring the skin barrier, which is beneficial to eczema sufferers as this skin condition can lead to the skin barrier becoming compromised. 

By treating eczema with red light therapy, you will potentially relieve itching, redness and dryness, improving your overall skin health. Whether you choose to use this technology on its own, or alongside other treatment options, it’s an effective solution and shouldn’t be overlooked when looking at how to treat eczema.

Choose Active Care Chiropractic To Use Red Light Therapy For Eczema

If you have this persistent skin problem and want to try red light therapy, then why not get in touch with Active Care Chiropractic? As a chiropractic clinic, we have professional experience in performing red light therapy treatments for not only eczema , but a number of health conditions. We have two red light therapy machines, the NovoTHOR machine which treats the whole body, and LX2 THOR, a handheld device that targets specific areas of the body. 

Get in touch today to find out more, and start your journey towards clearer skin.

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