Happy Housekeeping: The Battle Against Dustmites

Dear Concerned Skin:

For a person with eczema or psoriasis, the place that you work and sleep has a huge effect on your skin. Your skin is a portal between the outer world and your internal organs. It is our responsibility to guard this portal as well as we can.

The single greatest enemy to the eczema-patient is dust. One primary obstacle is adults with eczema or psoriasis may actually produce more dust than the average household.

Dustmites love skin. Those with eczema may be get caught in a dangerous cycle: shedding skin attracts dust mites, dust mites leave itchy droppings, dust mite droppings irritate skin, skin breaks out, dries up and sheds again attracting more dust mites.

Beware of skin and dust in three major places 1) bedding/linen, 2) carpet, 3) surfaces & appliances.

1. Linen should be at least rinsed 1-3 times per week depending on the state of your skin. Becareful about excessive washing with detergent. Soaps are often a very strong irritant of sensitive skin.
2. Noncarpeted and Hardwood floors are probably best for the eczema-free household.
3. My poor computer witnesses more skin fall than any other place on earth. The keyboards of desktop computers are much easier to clean than laptops, so I haven't thought of a remedy yet.

There is an argument that babies who grow up in too sterile environments may develop dermatitis because their immune system hasn't fully adjusted to fighting off various forms of germs.  I'm not sure if I support this argument, but I am almost certain it doesn't apply to adults battling eczema. 

The more sterile the environment, the healthier your skin will be. 

Love,

Lhea J.