Eczema, Keratosis Pilaris, and Allergies Oh My! Here’s How I’m Dealing!

My facial skincare regimen is on point; my face is soft smooth and glowing. My body, on the other hand, is a totally different story. I suffer from Eczema, a Nickle Allergy, and I’ve recently been diagnosed with another skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris which is the build up of keratin around the hair follicles which results in acne like bumps. I suffer the most from my nickel allergy in the summer due to the heat and humidity and during the colder months my eczema flairs up. 

With my new diagnosis I’ve realized, I have to take time to treat the skin on my body just like the skin on my face. I can’t continue to just treat the symptoms. I have to make sure that I’m proactive and protecting my skin before any flares ups occur. Since I have a lot going on the products I use on my skin are very important. I can’t just use a body wash because it smells good or it comes from a popular brand. I have to take into consideration whether or not that product is going to be moisturizing or it’s going to be intensely drying. I also have to make sure that it doesn’t contain exfoliants that can further aggravate my conditions.

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If your noticing dry patches on your skin it’s best to seek professional help from a dermatologist. Trust me it will save you time and your sanity. Luckily for me, my dermatologist told me that I was using all the right products and since both Keratosis Pilaris and Eczema are chronic conditions you manage with the treatment she told me to continue with my normal regimen. I like Dove as it’s a moisture bar and not solely a soap. One of the newest products I’ve added to my regimen has been the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Eczema and Psoriasis Therapy. This product has been a God send for me on the days I have serious flair ups. Its combination of natural ingredients calms my skin while taking away some of the itch and redness.

After showering the next important thing you want to do is moisturize. Switch out your water based lotions for lotions that are thicker and listen there is nothing wrong with bringing out that good ol’ tube of Vaseline. I love using the Curel Itch Defense Moisturizing Spray to apply protection in those hard to reach areas like my back, but I also make sure my lotions or creams are made with shea butter and other ingredients that can intensely moisturize the skin. 

I always stock up on Body Shop Body Butters. Since they can be a tad expensive, I grab a bunch during those big sales. I keep them everywhere I’m going to be, at work, in my purse, on my desk at home. I need those butters! All of them have key ingredients like cocoa and shea which help to keep my skin hydrated. Since my eczema isn’t really exacerbated by perfumes I can use some of the body kinds of butter that are scented but I usually keep them around for family and friends.

All the products I’ve mentioned are budget friendly, even the Body Shop items which always has great promotions.  If you use different products to manage your skin conditions be sure to share them with me in the comments below so that I can check them out too.