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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle

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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis eight years ago, and I was told that I would likely struggle with flare-ups for the rest of my life. I heard stories of other sufferers who had to eventually have their colons removed, and I became determined to not become part of this statistic. I was prescribed a daily medication that helps manage my condition, and although I don't like taking pills, I realize I need it to keep my colon healthy. I still experienced flares, so I began an elimination diet recommended by my doctor and found my "trigger" foods. I have now been flare-free for two years! I created this blog to help remind others with IBD that there is hope. You can end the constant struggle if you work with your doctor to try different methods of controlling your disease.

Dealing With Atopic Dermatitis? How To Control Those Winter Flare-Ups

28 October 2020
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

If you suffer from atopic dermatitis disease, you need to be prepared for the upcoming winter months. Changes in the temperature can increase the risk of an uncomfortable flare-up. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of experiencing a winter flare-up of your atopic dermatitis. Here are four of those steps to help get you started.  

Go Short on the Long Showers

Winter is almost here and the colder temperatures are starting to settle in. If you are like most people, you may enjoy long, hot showers during the winter months. But, if you have atopic dermatitis, you should actually avoid those. That is because long, hot showers strip your skin of natural oils. Unfortunately, once those natural oils are gone, your skin is more likely to experience a flare-up. To reduce your chances of a winter flare-up, change the way you take showers. Instead of long showers, switch to shorter showers. Also, switch from hot showers to lukewarm showers. The change can help to protect your skin. 

Choose Different Moisturizers

If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, you need to lather on moisturizer during the winter. But, you cannot use just any moisturizer. You need to use moisturizers that can help to retain moisture inside your skin. Unfortunately, some moisturizers actually allow you to lose moisture from your skin. That is why you need to read the labels, especially during the winter. When buying moisturizer this winter, look for ingredients that can help to keep moisture trapped in your skin. 

Change the Way You Dress

If you are trying to avoid a winter flare-up of your atopic dermatitis, change the way you dress. This is especially important if you tend to wear a lot of synthetic fabrics during the winter. Synthetic material can wreak havoc on sensitive skin, especially skin that suffers from atopic dermatitis. To protect your skin from flare-ups, switch to natural fibers this winter. Cotton can be especially helpful for reducing atopic dermatitis flare-ups. 

Seek Relief for Flare-Ups

Finally, if you suffer from atopic dermatitis, watch for the warning signs of a potential flare-up. Seeking medical help at the first sign of flare-up can help to reduce the severity. Some signs to watch for include increased itchiness, sleep disturbances, and skin irritation. See your dermatologist at the first sign of these symptoms. You may be at the beginning stages of a winter flare-up.