Call Me (Less) Itchy

 

Yes, it's me and Dr. Pimple Popper

Living in New York City there are a lot of interesting events taking place. Some of them are geographically difficult, conflict with other plans or just don't catch my attention. It is, as the phrase goes, an embarrassment of riches, and I know I'm very fortunate. But every once in a while something pops into my inbox that calls my name. Last week's event was a program about Eczema, aka Atopic Dermatitis, and it featured Dr. Sandra Lee as one of the featured speakers. 

I'm both a fan of Dr. Lee a viewer of her television show, Dr. Pimple Popper, and someone who's had eczema since pre-school. I had no previous commitments and it was an relatively easy bus ride away. I eagerly said yes. It was a thoroughly interesting and worthwhile evening.    

I was a prime candidate for eczema. The cause is not known, but my genes -- my mother also had eczema -- my immune system, and what touched my skin played a role. I'm not alone in this, as it's estimated that twenty-five million people in this country have the condition. 

In addition to the event I found great information on the website for the American Academy of Dermatology. Even though I've had this condition for seventy plus years, there's so much I didn't know. My last '"flare, i.e., a very itchy rash, was in 2000. I still have (many) times when my skin is itchy and (so) dry, especially in the winter, but thankfully I haven't had the rash. There are a number of medications now that didn't exist when my condition was so much worse, but since I'm not a dermatologist, I won't give medical advice. But I do have three life style tips that have helped me tend to my own skin care. 

The first is moisturize, moisturize and then moisturize some more. The best time to moisturize is right after a shower when skin is still damp. It lets the cream/lotion/oil absorb better. The second tip has to do with showers/bathing, and it makes me sad. I love long hot showers, but too much hot water really dries out my skin. I've learned to take really quick showers. It's a small price to pay for no rashes, though I miss this luxury. The third tip is scent in my moisturizers. I go for unscented  products, because scent can trigger an allergic reaction and a flare. I've also switched to heavier products and once winter arrives I switch to those that are oil based. 

The first two tips are what's worked well for me and were also recommended at the program. The third tip wasn't recommended at the program, but it's part of my routine since my awful flare of 2000, which took months to clear up. 

I hope this is helpful to my friends in eczema, especially as we move into winter. I'm going north tomorrow, where it's already in the 40's in the morning. I'll be bringing a winter coat, gloves and heavier moisturizer. I've been debating boots, but since snow (!) isn't predicted, I'm going to leave them home. 

It was a beautiful autumn day today in New York City and perfect weather for the New York City Marathon. I was out and took photographs of Marathon participants, and will share one with you. It's always a fun day and great when the weather cooperates.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and happy November.