4 Ways to Feel More Comfortable and in Control With Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is unpredictable. Even when you’re doing everything “right,” a flare can appear out of nowhere. That uncertainty can make it harder to feel comfortable in your skin and confident in managing the condition.

“It’s important for us to recognize the tremendous impact having atopic dermatitis has on quality of life,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in North Miami, Florida, and founder of DermFriends, a platform focused on skin-care education.

While you can’t always prevent a flare, there are steps you can take to feel more comfortable, reduce some of the guesswork, and regain a greater sense of control.

1. Be Choosy About Skin-Care and Beauty Products

Choosing skin-care and beauty products that work well with your skin can help you reduce irritation, avoid flare triggers, and make your daily routine feel more predictable. Whether you enjoy wearing eye shadow or simply using moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated, choosing the right products that work for your skin can also help you feel more like yourself. “Things that make you feel more in control can also make you feel better about your atopic dermatitis,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “So if you know that when you use a certain makeup, you get a flare-up, find a different product that’s more compatible with your skin.”

2. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Comfortable and Confident

3. Keep Doing the Activities You Enjoy

Although it can be tempting to avoid social events and other activities if you feel self-conscious about your skin, atopic dermatitis shouldn’t hold you back from doing the things you love.

• Cooking
• Doing puzzles
• Knitting
• Playing games
• Reading
• Traveling
  

If returning to activities you’ve been avoiding because of atopic dermatitis feels overwhelming, start small. You could try a new recipe, take a hike with a friend, or meet up with a loved one for coffee. Over time, you’ll start to reclaim parts of your life that help you feel like yourself again.

4. Work Closely With Your Dermatologist

Working with your dermatologist to create a personalized treatment plan can help reduce symptoms and prevent flares. As atopic dermatitis becomes better controlled, you may find it easier to focus less on symptoms and more on the activities and routines that matter to you.

“There’s no cure for AD, but gaining a sense of control over the disease is what helps people feel better,” says Woolery-Lloyd. “One of the biggest things that gives people a sense of control is using a treatment that’s effective and works to control symptoms.”

• Gentle skin care
• Topical, oral, or injectable medications
• Healthy lifestyle habits
• Light therapy
  

But even with effective treatment, you may still experience occasional symptoms or flare-ups. That’s why it’s important to focus on progress, not perfection. Keep the lines of communication open with your dermatologist, so you can adjust the treatment plan as your needs change.