A Guide to Healing from the Emotional Impact of Medical Trauma
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This article is written by Nav from Eczema Living.
Are you planning a baby? Have you embarked on the journey of becoming a new mother? Are you a responsible husband seeking knowledge to help your wife maintaining a safe & healthy pregnancy?
Then this blog is just for you!
The experience to bring a new life into this world is one of a kind! It’s natural to be on an emotional roller coaster with fear, agony and excitement. It’s also obvious to be frequently exposed to new symptoms and ailment during this crucial journey. One such pregnancy caused illness is known as eczema. Also known as ‘Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy (AEP)’, this condition occurs during pregnancy in a woman’s body even if she never had any previous history of the same. A study showed that 50% of the women who had eczema before experienced relapse and further deterioration during pregnancy.
So, if you or your spouse is pregnant, there is a high chance she may suffer from this condition. Let’s dive in and learn about it in details to avoid any severe consequences.
What is Eczema?
Medically, eczema is an umbrella term that’s generally used for indicating a wide range of skin issues starting from inflammation, itchiness to redness and rough bumps. The skin becomes sensitive and dry. Symptoms may vary person to person. Some women experience all of these while others face only a few. While some don’t find these severe and can conveniently carry everyday activities, others may find them bothering and severely interfering.
Does it affect the baby?
Eczema is one such disease which does not affect the well-being of the baby. It is neither dangerous nor contagious to the little one.
How to diagnose eczema?
Eczema can be diagnosed early at home if you keep a track of your skin condition. If you experience any of the above symptoms, then seeking professional help at the earliest is required. Doctors can easily diagnosis the disease and all the factors such as the change of your skin, change in lifestyle and diet will be taken into consideration while identifying the ailment. Depending on its severity a biopsy can be recommended.
10 Simple Ways to Treat Eczema
While eczema is treatable, it is mandatory to regularly take care of your skin. Let’s look at some of the treatments you can inculcate from your side to prevent things from going out of your hand.
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Moderate your shower temperature
It undoubtedly feels relaxing to have a hot bath during your pregnancy days. It reduces your body aches and helps you rejuvenate. But exposing your skin to hot water can be harmful to your skin, especially if you are suffering from eczema. So, moderate the temperature and take shower with relatively lukewarm water.
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Hydrate your skin
During pregnancy, usually, the skin becomes dull & dry which may increase the chances of eczema. Make sure you apply moisturizer at least twice a day. It is also advisable to apply the same right after your shower. This small step will make a big difference in keeping your skin hydrated.
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Choose the right clothes
Do you like skin-tight tank tops? Are you fond of skinny jeans?
It’s time to bid adieu to all the tight clothing in your wardrobe! It is of utmost importance to wear loose and comfortable clothes during those crucial months of pregnancy. Suffering from eczema makes it mandatory. Wearing skin tight clothes will irritate your skin further & will aggravate the condition. Hence, always make sure your skin feels free and choose loose clothes over anything.
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Say ‘NO’ to harsh soaps
To treat eczema, keeping your skin moisturised and nurtured is of extreme importance. Frequent exposure to harsh soaps, detergents, face or body washes will make your skin dry and rough. Use mild and soft cleansers instead which will keep the nourishment intact and prevent your skin from going the rough way!
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Use prescribed ointments
One of the chronic forms of this disease is known as ‘Seborrhoeic Dermatitis’ which causes stubborn redness and itchy skin in the oil-producing areas of the body. Make sure you don’t forget to include a prescribed dermatitis cream in your regime as it will help you keep the disease under control.
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A change in diet helps keep eczema away
Eating the right food during pregnancy can help a woman stay healthy during the extraordinary journey to a new beginning. Diet plays an important role in keeping diseases like eczema at bay. You can start with fresh vegetables, fruits instead of processed food. Avoiding gluten and dairy products is highly recommended. Reduce the oil in your food too as it will keep your body healthy and prevent skin deterioration.
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Water is your savior!
Increase your water intake to avoid those uncomfortable flare-ups due to eczema. Water will help to remove the unwanted toxins from your body and keep it well toned. This small step will enhance your skin’s health to a great extent by preventing dryness. Your skin will feel rejuvenated and your body will be hydrated.
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Eliminate stress
Anxiety, fear and mood swings are common during pregnancy. But constant stress can lead to a variety of complications both in your mental as well as physical health. Your entire body will suffer and this will directly affect your eczema including sudden flare-ups. Allow your body to relax by doing Yoga and exercises specially meant for pregnancy. Breathing exercises can also be beneficial as it will increase oxygen supply to the brain and allow your mind to experience peace.
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Sleep well
Sufficient sleep is necessary to keep your health in check during pregnancy. Make sure you take adequate rest and sleep properly at night. Depriving yourself of your precious sleep will lead to stress. Stress can cause unwanted complications as discussed in the earlier point. Make sure you have a regular sound sleep and wake up every day fresh and relaxed.
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Do NOT Scratch!
Last but not the least, one of the best ways to treat eczema is to avoid scratching. The more you scratch, the more it spreads. The main cause of skin irritation is because of constant scratching. Try to pat if you feel the urge, but don’t scratch at all!
While eczema is not harmful to you or your baby, it indeed makes you uncomfortable. Incorporating these small steps will help you treat eczema at home and experience the extraordinary journey of motherhood to the fullest.
Author Bio: Hi, I’m Nav. For the past few years, I have been an avid learner in the field of eczema and its care. My knowledge in the area developed as a result of my son’s eczema condition. Despite being born as a healthy boy, he was affected with the skin condition when he was merely 6 months old. I adopted several measures, precautions, allergy free dietary habits and treatment plans to help manage my son’s eczema symptoms. My struggle alongside my son, resulted in the development of my blog website Eczema Living. the website provides an insight to my experience and proven solutions for eczema care.
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