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How to Keep Eczema at Bay During a Twindemic

Though it may sound like the name of an episode from a preteen sitcom, the twindemic is actually the term coined by the New York Times used to describe the impending flu season that’s set to be underway during yet another COVID-19 surge. During the twindemic, preventative measures must be performed even more frequently, including washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and of course, wearing your face mask. While these measures can reduce your chances of becoming a twindemic statistic, they can be rather brutal on the skin, especially those with eczema. Luckily, there’s a way to keep eczema at bay during a twindemic, and we’ll show you how.

How to Prevent Eczema

1. Use Soft Soaps

There’s no getting around it; we have to wash our hands repeatedly throughout the day. However, you could end up with a bad flare-up of eczema on your hands and arms with the wrong type of soap. To avoid this, use gentle soaps that do not contain chemicals and doubles as a moisturizer. Soap brands like Dove and Honest are known for having antibacterial soaps that contain a moisturizer. There are viable brands out there. Just be sure to read the label.

2. Use the Right Moisturizer

Even if your antibacterial hand soap contains a moisturizer, you’ll still want to apply an eczema-safe cream to avoid possible dryness and potential flare-ups. Your moisturizer should be fragrance-free and have no glycolic acids. It’s also a good idea to use an oil-based cream rather than a water-based lotion, as it will help lock in moisture.

3. Choose a Comfortable Face Mask

We all know that when going out, a face mask is a must. But for eczema sufferers, this can be not only a constant irritant but a direct cause for a flare-up. The face masks material can make all the difference. Opt for a mask made from soft cotton or other natural material that does not irritate your skin. Having a light material is also important as you want air to be able to pass through. This isn’t to say that your face mask should have holes in it, but light and airy material can give your skin a much-needed break.

4. Moisturize Your Face Before Putting on Your Mask

Often, when we’re wearing a face mask all day, by the time we remove it at the end of the day, our skin is dry and raw. This inflammation can cause severe eczema on the face. As a precautionary measure, apply an oil-based moisturizer to your face before putting on your mask.

The idea of a twindemic may be scary, but we can significantly reduce both viruses’ spread with the right preventative measures in place. For eczema sufferers, follow the steps above to help you get through these tough times.

If you want more information on how to help your skin this winter, or would like to explore eczema treatment options, our experts at The Dermatology Group in Cincinnati, Ohio, can help you explore your best options and get you started. Give us a call today!

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