If your eczema is in remission then good for you! Now it is time to take steps to ensure that it won’t be coming back anytime soon. But how do you do that? First, relax and take time out for yourself whenever you can. Stress plays a huge role in the incidence of eczema flare-ups so the more you can do to calm yourself and enjoy life the better! Enjoy quality time with family and friends, participate in activities you enjoy and pursue hobbies that make you happy. Laughter goes along with having a good time and laughing is akin to a mini-workout according to researchers. US cardiologist Dr. William Fry says that, “100 to 200 laughs are equivalent to ten minutes of jogging or rowing.” Not only that but laughter lowers an individual’s blood pressure as well as the level of stress hormones and it encourages the work of the immune system. Laughing is really good for you so do it as often as possible to keep stress at bay and therefore eczema flare-ups as well.

Don’t slack off with your moisturizing regime just because your eczema has gone into remission. Remember that it could turn on a dime so keep up your excellent hydration rules. Moisturizing often is such an essential part of living with eczema, regardless of who you are, your age or how often it does, or doesn’t flare up. Skin that is well hydrated on a daily basis is healthier skin than dry skin. It holds in natural oils very well and its healing capacities are greater. Use emollient oil in the bathtub when you are taking one of your quick power baths or showers (with lukewarm water, not hot or scalding!). Apply your moisturizing cream, lotion or ointment immediately after exiting the bath or shower, when your skin is still damp and more responsive to the replenishment of moisture. Always read the ingredients on labels for skin care products carefully and avoid any products that contain alcohol or any form of scent as these can serve to irritate and dry out your skin worse. Some of the best choices for all around moisturizers for eczema skin include Vaseline, Alpha Keri, Aquaphor, Curel, Eucerin, Moisturel, and Lubriderm.

Avoid common irritants that could cause your eczema to show itself again. Don’t wear scratchy material such as wool, and don’t wear clothes that are restrictive or don’t fit your body properly. Stay away from harsh soaps, cleansers, detergents and air sprays that might put your eczema problems back into circulation. Avoid chemicals and solvents (such as paint thinner and turpentine) and do your best to keep your home as free of pet hair, dust and mold as possible.

Keep in mind that extremes of temperature, whether they be high or low can aggravate eczema, even when it is lying dormant. Stay inside on these kind of days, or at least for a portion of the day and plan your outdoor physical activities when the weather is mild and more “middle of the road.” As well when you do exert yourself, either through work or through physical activity such as exercise, don’t allow yourself to become overheated or to sweat excessively. This could possibly signal your eczema to come out of hiding.