Living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be a rollercoaster when it comes to skincare. Some days your favorite products work beautifully, but when you’re having a flare, they could be the worst things to put on your skin. In that case, it’s a good idea to know how to manage your sensitive skin.
One of the issues that you may have with CSU is that you don’t always know what’s going to trigger an allergic reaction. Even if you know what usually causes a problem, your list probably isn’t static. You can develop a new trigger at any time. Still, the typical culprits are stress, anxiety, pet dander, skin scratching, cold weather, pollen, insect bites, sun exposure, getting a cold, having an infection, wearing tight clothing, taking certain medications, and eating specific foods.
Although that list may seem extensive, it’s hardly exhaustive. To make things worse, you can’t always control your environment. For example, you may not have any cats or dogs, but if your coworkers do, you may still have a reaction to dander on their clothes or skin. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan that you can implement immediately.
When your skin is already irritated, the last thing you want to do is use products or continue a routine that makes things worse.
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A shower is a great place to start your daily routine. It’s best to use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin. The water in your shower should be warm, not hot, as hot water can dry out your skin and increase irritation.
For this step, it’s good to choose a moisturizer for sensitive skin. This should also be fragrance-free so it doesn’t irritate your skin. Applying this moisturizer while your skin is damp can also help to soothe it.
When it’s time to wash your face, opt for a non-foaming, gentle cleanser. Some ingredients that cause skincare products to foam can irritate your skin and dry it out. Gentle cleansers can still effectively remove buildup from your face. If you need more, consider looking for gentle cleansers or towelletes that can remove makeup or other products without irritating your skin.
Once your face is clean, you can use a mist to further soothe your skin. As with everything else, you should look for one for sensitive skin. A mist or serum is a great inclusion if you usually have dry skin.
The final step in your skincare routine is to lightly moisturize your face. For this, choose a natural product that not only works for sensitive skin but also contains soothing ingredients.
An additional step you’ll need if you’re going to be outside is using sunscreen. Your skin is sensitive on the best of days. You have to be even more careful when having a flare. Ideally, you would avoid any sun exposure during that time, but if it’s not possible, get the protection you need. It’s best to find a natural sunscreen that’s suitable for sensitive skin.
As you may already suspect, it’s a good idea to find products that are natural and made for sensitive skin. When shopping for products, ensure they say ‘fragrance-free’ rather than ‘unscented’. Unfortunately, those don’t mean the same thing. Some manufacturers use ingredients that don’t have a high aroma but still cover the scent of the other constituents in their products. Those can still irritate your skin.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t forget to check out the kids’ department. Babies and children are known for having naturally sensitive skin, so many of their skincare products are made with that in mind. Their products can be a good addition to your routine in a pinch.
A few at-home products can also help supplement your treatment program. Taking a warm bath with finely ground or colloidal oatmeal can soothe itchy skin. If you’re dealing with swelling, calamine lotion may help. Fragrance-free witch hazel can also reduce inflammation when applied to the affected areas.
Some people swear by diluted apple cider vinegar to soothe irritated skin, but you shouldn’t jump into using it without doing a little test on a small patch of skin. The same is true of aloe vera. Although the gel from this succulent can soothe irritated skin and promote healing, it can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.
If you’re planning to make any changes to your skincare routine, though, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. They’ll be able to tell you if there are any risks or potential interactions with your current medication.
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You should always talk to a doctor if your hives last longer than six weeks. That can be a sign that your current medication regimen isn’t enough to manage your symptoms. It can also mean that you’ve encountered a new trigger.
Your doctor can help by reviewing your medication to see if anything needs to be changed. Working with your doctor can also help you identify any new triggers. To do this, though, you have to give them a thorough history of what you may have used, eaten, or interacted with before and during having a flare.
If you’re having swelling around your eyes, lips, or cheeks, or on your hands and feet, then you need to see your doctor immediately. This issue is known as angiodema, and unlike hives, it’s not a surface-level problem. It can cause swelling under your skin that remains tender even after a flare has passed. In severe cases, your tongue and throat may swell, making it difficult to breathe.
Finally, it’s important to talk to your doctor if your symptoms are bad enough to disrupt your daily life. Even with an effective medication regimen, flares can vary in their severity. Your doctor can let you know if you need some short-term medication to manage your symptoms until the flare passes.
When you’re dealing with CSU, you have to be extra careful with skincare. While you should always stick to your medication regimen and take care of your skin every day, it’s good to have a plan for flares. As always, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your routine.
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