Eczema Flare-Ups: 10 Simple Ways to Soothe and Support Irritated Skin

Few things are more frustrating than waking up to an eczema flare-up.

Your skin may suddenly feel dry, itchy, tight, red, flaky or uncomfortable. And when your skin is irritated, it's tempting to throw everything at it in the hope of making the problem disappear.

But sometimes, doing less is better.

During a flare-up, your skin may benefit from a simple, gentle routine that focuses on comfort and protecting the skin barrier.

Here are 10 simple things you can try.

1. Don't scratch

We know — easier said than done.

Scratching can temporarily relieve an itch, but it can also further irritate the skin and contribute to the itch-scratch cycle.

Instead, try gently pressing or patting the area rather than scratching it.

2. Avoid very hot showers

Hot water can feel amazing when your skin is itchy, but it may leave already-dry skin feeling even more uncomfortable.

Try using lukewarm water instead and keep showers relatively short.

3. Don't scrub away flakes

Flaking skin can be tempting to exfoliate, but aggressive scrubbing can make irritated skin feel worse.

During a flare-up, leave the exfoliating brushes and harsh scrubs in the cupboard.

Gentle is the name of the game.

4. Moisturise regularly

Dryness can make irritated skin feel even more uncomfortable.

Regular moisturising can help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier.

Apply your moisturiser after washing while the skin is still slightly damp.

5. Try a soothing balm

When your skin needs a little extra care, Seb Natural Soothing Balm can be incorporated into your routine.

It's formulated for skin prone to eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis and is designed to calm and comfort sensitive, reactive skin.

The balm contains botanical ingredients including tea tree, chamomile and lavender, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Apply a small amount to the area requiring extra care and gently massage it into the skin.

6. Pay attention to your environment

Sometimes the trigger isn't your skincare routine at all.

Cold winds, dry indoor heating, sweating and sudden changes in temperature can all affect how comfortable your skin feels.

If you know certain environmental conditions trigger your skin, plan accordingly.

For example, moisturise before going outside in cold weather and consider breathable clothing when you're exercising or spending time somewhere warm.

7. Choose clothing carefully

Some fabrics can feel particularly uncomfortable against sensitive skin.

If certain materials make your skin itch, choose softer, breathable fabrics where possible.

Washing new clothes before wearing them may also help remove residues that could irritate sensitive skin.

8. Don't introduce multiple products during a flare

When your skin suddenly becomes irritated, it can be tempting to buy several new products.

Try to resist.

Introducing multiple products at once makes it difficult to identify what's helping and what's potentially irritating your skin.

Instead, keep your routine simple and introduce new products gradually.

9. Know your personal triggers

Eczema isn't identical for everyone.

What causes irritation for one person may have absolutely no effect on someone else.

Keep an eye on patterns.

Does your skin become worse after using a particular product? During winter? After exercise? When you're stressed?

Recognising patterns can help you make more informed decisions about your skincare routine.

10. Know when to seek professional advice

Skincare can help support the appearance and feel of sensitive skin, but it isn't a substitute for medical care.

If your eczema is severe, persistent, painful, infected-looking or significantly affecting your quality of life, speak with a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.

You don't have to manage difficult skin symptoms alone.

A calmer approach to eczema care

Eczema flare-ups can be unpredictable, but your skincare routine doesn't have to be.

Focus on the basics:

Be gentle. Hydrate. Support your skin barrier. Avoid known triggers. Stay consistent.

Seb Natural Soothing Balm can become part of that simple approach, giving dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin a nourishing layer of care when it needs it most.

Because when your skin is having a difficult day, sometimes it doesn't need more — it simply needs a little less stress and a little more care.

Seb products are designed to support and soothe the appearance and feel of sensitive skin. They are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure eczema. If symptoms are severe, worsening or persistent, seek professional medical advice.
:::{"fallbackMarkdown":"","reference":{"matched_text":" ","prefix":null,"start_idx":14182,"end_idx":14182,"safe_urls":[],"refs":[],"alt":"","prompt_text":null,"type":"sources_footnote","sources":[],"has_images":false},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}