You might think it’s just a rash or an irritation on your skin that won’t go away, and as days pass, it turns into inflamed skin that appears red with scaly patches or bumps. This is called eczema. It affects 1 in 3 Australians at some point in their lives, and it’s more than just dry skin, it’s an ongoing condition that requires consistent care, mindful habits, and gentle product choices.
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic, itchy skin condition that ranges from mild irritations to severe flare-ups. It develops when the skin’s protective barrier doesn’t function properly, leading to dryness, inflammation, and an overactive immune response.
Whether you’re an adult with long-term eczema, a parent caring for a child’s sensitive skin, or someone researching gentle skincare, this guide walks you through eczema causes, effective daily care, and eczema skincare solutions to soothe and protect your skin.
We will also highlight some product tips (including Rufi’s own gentle skincare options) to help you build a gentle skincare routine, especially in Australia’s climate as we at Rufi, we understand how sensitive skin needs special attention to keep irritation at bay. Let’s dive in!
What Exactly Is Eczema?
Eczema is essentially an inflammatory skin condition that makes the skin red, dry, very itchy, and sometimes cracked or blistered. The term “eczema” most often refers to atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema.
It is common and usually affects up to 15–20% of children and around 10% of adults. So if you or your child are dealing with it, you’re certainly not alone. The good news is that while there’s no outright cure, most cases can be managed well, and about 70% of children may even outgrow it as they get older.
If you’re wondering how eczema starts, well it begins with patches of dry and sensitive skin that itch. Then when you start scratching the itch (which is hard to resist, we understand) but unfortunately it makes the inflammation worse which leads to the infamous itch-scratch cycle.
Over time, skin can become thicker or scaly from repeated scratching. In babies and young kids, eczema often shows up on the face, scalp, or creases of elbows and knees; in adults, common spots are hands, neck, inner elbows, backs of knees, and ankles.
While eczema itself isn’t contagious, it significantly impacts daily life. The constant itch, and the repeated scratching, the discomfort it brings can affect your sleep and mood, and sometimes it's visibly irritated skin makes one feel self-conscious.
During flare-ups, the skin’s barrier becomes compromised, which means it loses moisture easily and allows bacteria or irritants to enter, sometimes it leads to infection if you don’t care for it properly. That’s why gentle care and maintaining the skin barrier (through moisturizing and avoiding harsh irritants and products) remain crucial for eczema-prone skin.
Eczema in a nutshell: it’s a condition of dry, sensitive skin and an over-reactive immune response, often running in families with allergies or asthma, and triggered by various factors in the environment. The key to living comfortably with eczema is understanding what causes your skin to flare up and practicing consistent care to keep your skin calm and hydrated.
What Causes Eczema (and Common Triggers)
One of the common questions people ask is, “What causes eczema?” or “Why does eczema happen?” The truth is, there isn’t a single direct cause; rather, eczema results from a combination of factors which are the following:
- Genetics: Eczema often runs in families. If a parent or sibling has eczema, asthma, or hay fever, you are more likely to develop it. There’s a genetic mutation that affects how your skin barrier is built and how your immune system reacts.
- Skin Barier Issues: Many people with eczema have a skin barrier that doesn't retain moisture well. A healthy skin barrier is like a strong brick wall, keeping moisture in and irritants out. In eczema, the mortar(often related to protein called filaggrin) is weaker, so the skin dries out easily and lets external irritants trigger inflammation.
- Immune System Factors: An overactive immune response in the skin can cause exaggerated inflammation over things that wouldn't bother other people's skin. This is why eczema is considered an inflamattory condition because the immune system in the skin releases chemicals that cause redness and itching even to minor triggers.
Because of this mix of factors, you might experience eczema flares due to a variety of triggers. Understanding your triggers is a huge part of managing eczema. Here are some common eczema triggers that can cause flare-ups or make symptoms worse:
- Harsh soaps and cleansers: Using harsh soaps and cleansers can strip away your skin's natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Ingredients like sulfates and strong detergents increase skin pH and disrupt the barrier. It’s better to use dermatologist-approved cleansers, body care, and skincare products labeled for sensitive skin.
- Abrasive laundry detergents: Similarly, laundry detergents with heavy fragrances or harsh chemicals can leave residue that triggers eczema, so it's best to use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
- Dry air and heat: Low humidity (especially in winter or arid climates) can deplete moisture from the skin. Likewise, getting overheated and sweating can trigger itching since when sweat evaporates it can leave skin drier and salt on skin may irritate. Many people find their eczema worsens in winter due to indoor heating (dry air) or in summer due to heat and sweat. The sudden changes of temperature can be a trigger.
- Irritating fabrics: The way you dress can affect your skin since rough or synthetic fabrics like wool and polyester can rub on the skin and cause irritation. Have you ever tried putting on a wool sweater and felt itchy? For eczema sufferers, that irritation can quickly lead to a rash. Dermatologists recommend sticking to soft, breathable materials like 100% cotton for clothing and bedding.
- Allergens: Environmental allergens that you inhale or touch can trigger eczema in some people. Common allergens include dust mites (tiny creatures in household dust), pollen, pet dander, and molds. These don’t affect the skin directly like a contact allergy, but if you have atopic tendencies, exposure can lead to an eczema flare. The connection between eczema and food allergies is still unclear. However, if you have food allergies, you must avoid the allergens, as they can worsen your eczema symptoms. The common food allergies include peanuts, dairy, and eggs, so you need to pay attention to your diet, as food allergies can exacerbate the overall eczema.
- Stress and illness: Interestingly, stress is a known trigger for eczema flares. Emotional stress can provoke the immune system and skin response (ever notice itching more when you’re anxious?). Likewise, if you’re sick (like with a cold) or after vaccinations, your immune system shifts and might spark a flare. These are often unavoidable triggers, but being aware of them can help you double-down on moisturization and stress-reduction techniques when life gets tough.
- Other irritants: A variety of other things can set off sensitive skin, for example, chlorine in swimming pools (some find it soothing in small amounts, others get irritated, if you swim, rinse off and moisturize well after), cigarette smoke, heavy air pollution, or even certain skincare ingredients (like alcohol-based astringents or exfoliating acids) can all aggravate eczema.
It’s important to note that triggers vary person to person. One individual might flare up from a whiff of perfume, while another can’t handle wool, and another gets eczema patches after stressful exams. Take time to observe your (or your child’s) triggers and keeping a little journal can help.
If you identify and avoid the controllable triggers (like switching to gentle laundry soap or keeping cool in summer), you can prevent many flares. And for those triggers you can’t avoid (stress, weather, etc.), being prepared with a good skin routine will help minimize the impact.
Key Symptoms Include:
Daily Care for Eczema-Prone Skin
While we can’t change our genes or magically cure eczema, we can do a lot with smart daily care to keep the skin calm and healthy. In fact, developing a consistent, gentle skincare routine is the cornerstone of eczema management.
The goal is to restore and protect the skin’s moisture barrier and avoid things that irritate it. Think of it as pampering and shielding extremely sensitive skin. Here are the key components of caring for eczema-prone skin:
Gentle Cleansing (Showering the Right Way)
One of the most important parts of eczema care is how you cleanse your skin. Many people with eczema dread shower time because they feel it dries them out, but it doesn’t have to! With the right techniques and products, bathing can actually hydrate and soothe your skin rather than aggravate it.
Shower Smart: Dermatology experts recommend keeping baths and showers short and lukewarm. A 5- to 10-minute bath or shower in warm (not hot) water helps hydrate the skin; longer or hotter and you risk drying it out.
Moreover, if the hot water might feel good on itchy skin at the moment, the truth is, it actually strips away natural oils and can cause more itching afterwards. So dial down the temperature a bit and time your showers.
It’s best to shower once a day (small kids with eczema are often bathed every day or two, but with cool water and lots of moisturizer). In between, you can do quick sponge baths or just wash key areas to avoid overdoing water exposure.
Pro Tip: Always pat dry gently with a soft towel. As much as you love rubbing it on your body, avoid doing so, as the friction can irritate and further dry out your skin.
Use a mild and soap-free cleanser: Rather than a harsh bar soap, choose a gentle body wash or a gentle, pH-balanced shower gel formulated for sensitive skin as they can cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. The ideal cleanser for eczema is soap-free, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced (close to the skin’s natural pH ~5.5), whichensures it cleanses without stripping away moisture.
Many modern body washes contain hydrating ingredients (like glycerin or oils) so they clean and moisturize at the same time. Avoid scrubbing your skin with loofahs or rough washcloths, you can just use your hands or a very soft cloth to cleanse, and do it gently.
If you’re looking for an eczema-friendly shower gel in Australia, opt for ones with descriptors like “gentle cleansing”, “dermatologist tested”, “fragrance free” or “sensitive skin formula”.
For example, Rufi’s shower gels are crafted to be kind to sensitive skin as they use mild, plant-based cleansers and are free from harsh chemicals. In fact, choosing the right body wash can make a world of difference for eczema.
A quality body wash does more than just get you clean, it can also hydrate and protect your skin, setting the stage for healthier skin overall. Instead of leaving the shower feeling parched and itchy, you should step out with skin that feels fresh and supple and for you to achieve that here’s a quick checklist when you shower if you have eczema edition:
Moisturizing and Locking in Hydration
If you have eczema, moisturizing isn’t just a nice afterthought, it’s absolutely essential. Think of moisturizer as the daily medicine for eczema-prone skin.
After cleansing, you have a critical window of just minutes to apply moisture before the water in your skin evaporates off. Applying a good moisturizer all over your skin, immediately after bathing, helps lock in the hydration from your shower and repair the skin barrier.
Pro tip: Within 3 minutes of stepping out of the bath or shower, get your moisturizer on – dermatologists call this the “soak and seal” method.
Choose the right moisturizer: Not all moisturizers are created equal. For eczema, thicker is better. Dermatologists generally recommend using ointment or cream formulations that contain nourishing creams rather than lighter lotions.
Look for moisturizers that come in jars or tubes (often richer than pump lotions) and contain ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or glycerin. Apply cream to damp skin to 'seal in' the water, keeping skin hydrated longer.
How often to moisturize: At minimum, moisturize twice a day, morning and especially right after your evening shower. Many people with eczema benefit from moisturizing even more frequently, such as a mid-day touch-up on extra dry spots or whenever the skin feels dry or itchy.
For kids, this might mean a quick application before school and after coming home, in addition to post-bath. Keep a travel-size moisturizer handy so you’re never caught without a way to rehydrate your skin. Consistent moisturizing helps prevent itching, irritation, and thickening of the skin over time.
For extremely dry or cracked areas, an occlusive ointment can be a soothing solution. For example, plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or a heavy balm applied at night can help heal stubborn patches.
Some dermatologists even suggest “wet wrap therapy” for severe flares: applying medication or moisturizer, then covering the area with a damp layer of gauze or cloth and a dry layer on top for a couple of hours or overnight, this super-hydrates the skin and can calm serious flare-ups quickly. If your doctor recommends it, it’s worth a try during bad flares.
Rufi also offers a Velvet Balm that is great for deep hydration. This rich, fast-absorbing balm is packed with natural oils and butters to nourish and soften the skin, without any added artificial fragrance.
After a bath, warming a small amount of this balm between your fingers and then gently massaging it onto particularly dry, eczema-prone spots (like elbows, hands, or any rough patches) can provide lasting relief and a protective barrier. It’s an indulgent treat for the skin that locks in moisture for hours.
Furthermore, Rufi’s Velvet Balm has a subtle scent from botanical extracts (no synthetic perfume), so it feels luxurious without the worry of harsh fragrance chemicals.
Building a Gentle Skincare Routine (Consistency Is Key)
Beyond cleansing and moisturizing, an overall gentle skincare routine will keep your sensitive skin in its best shape. You might be tempted to try every new cream or remedy you hear about, but often less is more when it comes to eczema care.
A basic routine of cleansing and moisturizing daily, plus any doctor-recommended treatments, is usually enough. The most important thing is doing it consistently because remember consistency is the key.
Here’s a simple eczema-friendly skincare routine you can follow (and adjust as needed):
1. Morning: If your skin isn’t too dirty or sweaty, you might skip a full shower in the morning. Over-cleansing can dry the skin. Instead, you can rinse off certain areas or just wash your face/groin as needed.
Then apply a layer of moisturizer head-to-toe. If you’ll be out in the sun, use a sunscreen on exposed areas (look for mineral-based, fragrance-free sunscreens for sensitive skin).
2. Throughout the Day: Pay attention to how your skin feels. If certain areas (hands, for example) feel dry or tight, reapply a moisturizer.
If you know you’ll be exposed to a trigger (like you have to wear a mask that irritates your face, or you’ll be in an air-conditioned dry office all day), preemptively moisturize those areas or use a barrier cream. Also, try to minimize stress and stay hydrated by drinking water because skin hydrates from the inside too.
3. Evening: Gently cleanse in a lukewarm shower or bath using your mild cleanser. This will wash off any allergens (pollen, dust) or sweat you collected during the day. Right after, pat dry and immediately moisturize generously.
This is also when you’d apply any prescription treatments (such as corticosteroid creams or calcineurin inhibitors your doctor may have given for active rashes) and you usually apply medication first to the affected areas, then moisturize over top after a few minutes, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
4. Overnight: Nighttime is when our skin repairs itself. Some people with eczema find it helpful to run a humidifier in the bedroom at night, especially in winter, to keep the air moist.
Wear soft cotton pajamas that cover as much skin as possible (it both keeps moisture in and prevents you from scratching accidentally). And consider cotton gloves or socks if you tend to scratch in your sleep. A cool environment (but not too cold) also prevents sweating at night, which can help.
By following a gentle skincare routine consistently, you’ll strengthen your skin’s resilience over time. If you’d like a broader blueprint on how to structure a great skincare routine (for face and body), you can check out the simple 5-step skincare routine that you can adapt for your needs.
The principles of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin are very much in line with eczema care, just with an extra emphasis on using hypoallergenic products. Remember: the best routine is the one you can stick with every day. With consistency it will yield the best results for your skin.
Also, be patient with your skin. Improvements come with steady care. You may not be able to banish eczema entirely, but you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups by maintaining these daily habits.
And when your skin does have a relapse, don’t be discouraged, use the flare as feedback. Maybe you encountered a new trigger or got a bit lax on moisturizing; just refocus and stick to the plan.
Soothing Solutions and Lifestyle Tips for Eczema Relief
Beyond daily cleansing and moisturizing, there are additional soothing solutions and lifestyle adjustments that can help tame eczema and improve comfort. Managing eczema is truly a head-to-toe, inside-and-out effort and it’s about skincare and self-care. Here are some top tips and tricks to keep eczema under control and make life a little easier:
- We’ve talked about common triggers like harsh products, allergens, and fabrics. Make your home environment eczema-friendly. For instance, keep your bedroom cool at night (to prevent overheating), use a humidifier if the air is very dry, and opt for 100% cotton bedding and clothing as much as possible.
- It’s important to wash your new clothes before wearing (to remove any chemical finishes) and cut off irritating tags. Little changes like these can prevent a lot of itching. Also, choose gentle, eco-friendly laundry products.
- When the itch strikes, try not to scratch. It’s easier said than done, we know. Scratching feels good for a second but ultimately makes the rash worse and can even lead to skin breaking and infection. Instead, soothe the itch in gentler ways by applying a cool and damp cloth to super itchy areas, and best believe, it can give relief.
- A cold compress or an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) is also one of the best ways to relieve itching, as a few minutes can numb the itch sensation. Some people take an oatmeal bath to calm widespread itching by adding colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath water. This creates a milky, soothing soak that can reduce redness and itch. It’s a time-tested remedy for eczema and even chickenpox.
- We also touched on stress as a trigger. It’s sometimes called the “inside job” on eczema, even if your skin is perfectly cared for, a big wave of stress can make it erupt. Finding ways to manage stress can improve your skin. This might be relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation, yoga), regular exercise (which also improves circulation and mood), or even seeing a therapist if anxiety is a big issue.
- If you’re a parent and you want to help your little one with stress, the best way is through play, comfort, and routines as these can be beneficial too. And remember, sleep is a great healer, you must prioritize a good sleep routine because fatigue can stress the body and worsen skin issues.
- Touching the lifestyle and diet, an overall health can impact eczema. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids (found in fish, walnuts, flaxseed) supports skin health from the inside.
- There’s no universal “eczema diet”, but some individuals notice improvements by reducing inflammatory foods or allergens but take note as this is very individual, so talk to a doctor before making big diet changes. Staying well-hydrated by drinking water and eating water-rich fruits/veggies will also help your skin stay hydrated.
- Sunscreen is a must so don’t forget the sun protection because sunburn can trigger major eczema flares as it damages the skin barrier. However,you must remember that sun exposure in moderation can also help clear up eczema as it provides vitamin D, and it’s a mood booster too. Just use a gentle sunscreen and cover up with light clothing and hats when you’re out in the Aussie sun.
- Sometimes, small tweaks in your daily habits can help. For example, keep your fingernails short and smooth, this way if you do scratch, you’re less likely to tear the skin and cause infection.
- For babies or young kids, you can use cotton mittens at night to prevent scratching. When drying off after washing hands, pat them dry instead of rubbing, and immediately reapply a hand cream (carry a tube of eczema-friendly hand cream if you can, since handwashing is a common trigger for dry eczema on hands).
- If you are working out and get sweaty, rinse off and moisturize soon after, as sweat can irritate when it dries. Essentially, be mindful of activities that might affect your skin and plan for them.
- This is the most important, if your eczema is moderate to severe, or not improving with basic measures, it’s wise to see a dermatologist. When it comes to skin, your dermatologist is your coach as they can help identify specific triggers, prescribe stronger treatments if needed, and create a personalized eczema action plan. Sometimes what looks like eczema could even be another condition, so getting a professional evaluation is important if things aren’t adding up.
- If your dermatologist or doctor advises you to use medications strategically, you can. For moderate to severe eczema, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or prescription steroid creams or ointments are often part of the management plan. When used correctly, these can quickly reduce inflammation during a flare. Just remember to always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on how long and where to use any medicated cream.
- If itching is severe, an oral antihistamine (like cetirizine or loratadine) at night can help break the itch-scratch cycle so you can sleep. There are also newer non-steroid creams (like calcineurin inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors) that your dermatologist might prescribe for sensitive areas or long-term use.
Finally, let’s talk about products one more time. We know that using gentle, eczema-friendly products is crucial. You must check labels and look for keywords like fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, for sensitive skin, dermatologically tested. Simplicity is always the best choice as the fewer ingredients, the lower the chance something will bother you.
In Australia, we’re fortunate to have access to a range of skincare tailored for sensitive skin and eczema. In recent years, there’s been a shift toward more natural and sustainable skincare here and Rufi is part of that movement.
Rufi’s products walk the talk, as they have developed a philosophy of “no harmful chemicals” and “gentle for all,” which is exactly what eczema-prone consumers need. Their Fragranced Shower Gel underwent rigorous patch testing on people with sensitive skin, and none of the participants experienced irritation or adverse reactions, earning it a dermatological seal of approval.
When you find products that work for you, stick with them. You might build a small arsenal of trusted items: maybe a certain unscented body wash, a favorite heavy cream, a go-to anti-itch balm, etc. Having those on hand makes it easier to stick to your routine and tackle flares quickly. And if you’re still experimenting, that’s okay, you can introduce one new product at a time and patch test it, so you can clearly tell how your skin responds.
Road to the Sooth and Healthy Skin
Living with eczema can definitely be challenging, but with the right knowledge and habits in place, it can become manageable, and hopefully, it will heal eventually by soothing it with the right treatment. Remember that caring for eczema-prone skin is a journey; it will be trial and error, and there will occasionally be setbacks, but each step teaches you more about what your skin loves (and what it hates!).
By understanding eczema causes and personal triggers, you can avoid many flare-ups before they start. By committing to daily care, gentle cleansing, diligent moisturizing, and a consistent routine, for sure you fortify your skin’s defenses. And by applying these soothing solutions and lifestyle adjustments (from cool compresses to stress management), you can find relief when eczema does act up and even prolong the calm periods in between.
In essence, treating eczema is about being kind and attentive to your skin. It may require a bit of extra effort, but the payoff is comfort and confidence in your own body. Plus, these practices such as using mild products, keeping skin hydrated, living a healthy lifestyle, these are beneficial for everyone, not just those with eczema. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense; the care you give it will reflect in how it looks and feels.
As you implement your gentle skincare routine, you have to be patient and give it time to work. Improvements often come gradually. Celebrate small victories, like a night with less itching or finding a moisturizer your child actually likes. And don’t hesitate to lean on resources and support: dermatologists, patient communities, and reliable information (like the references we cited) can all empower you on this path.
Finally, if you’re in search of products to support you or your little one’s eczema care, consider checking out brands like Rufi that prioritize gentle, natural ingredients and scientific testing. Incorporating a truly eczema-friendly shower gel or the best body wash for sensitive skin you can find is a great starting point. From there, follow with rich moisturizers and all the tips above, and you’ll have a regimen that gives eczema a tough fight.
Your skin will thank you for the tender loving care you give. You’ve got this, and Rufi is here to help you rediscover comfort and confidence in your skin every day!