Do you know what eczema is? Do you suffer from this condition, or does your child? If so, you know how unpleasant it can be to have irritated, itchy skin that just won’t go away. There are ways to treat eczema so that it does not flare up as frequently. Read on to learn more.

To help soothe dry, itchy skin that comes from eczema, opt for moisturizers in ointment or cream forms. This type of moisturizer are usually more effective than lotions. Even petroleum jelly can help moisten and soften your skin. No matter what choice you make, use something that is free of fragrance and also alcohol. Apply moisturizer twice each day at least.

Make your moisturizer your best friend. Every time you wash your hands or take a bath, apply the moisturizer. Do not get fancy. Anything that has a scent attached to it could exacerbate your condition. Also, look for a very thick product to get the best results for your skin.

Scratching is a big no-no. Eczema can be quite uncomfortable. However, the more you scratch, the more you will have to scratch. This can harm your skin as well as make yourself more vulnerable to infections. Use as much moisturizer as you can and use a cold compress.

If you have allergies, being exposed to what you are allergic to may make your eczema worse. Eczema is not an allergy, but some common allergens that could trigger eczema are dairy products, eggs, wheat and tomatoes. Other things that could make your eczema flare up are pet dander, pollen, dust and mold.

If the air in your room is too dry, it may cause your eczema to act up. Therefore, a humidifier is often an important addition to an eczema sufferer’s home. Consider which rooms you spend the most time in and place the humidifier there. You should notice a difference in your skin.

Moisturization is the most important part of dealing with eczema. This can help control flareups. To keep your skin soft and supple, moisturize your skin frequently following your bath or shower. Use natural products with no added chemicals.

When deciding on which moisturizer to use, choose an ointment. These are great for eczema, since they add a protective layer that keeps moisture locked in. Cream and lotions do not achieve a similar effect. Ointments can really improve the surface of your skin.

Get your skin damp before applying your moisturizer. This helps the moisturizer to seal into your skin and soften it. Following your shower or bath, just pat your skin with a towel. This will remove a lot of the wetness but still leave the skin damp and ready for moisturizing.

Don’t cut off all exposure to the sun. Your eczema could be a result of a Vitamin D deficiency, so blocking out the sun entirely is not a good idea. You should be getting at least 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight a day sans sunscreen. Don’t get any more than that though or you could burn.

Pay attention to your choice of fabrics. The clothing that is in constant contact with your skin can be a trigger for eczema. Look to anything cotton or blended with cotton. Fabrics like wool can cause irritation. Similarly, you need to pay attention to how you wash your clothes. Don’t use laundry detergent that’s too harsh or fabric softeners.

If you have any of the many types of eczema, you should keep your fingernails cut short. Although individuals try to refrain from scratching the patches of dry, itchy skin, sometimes scratching is done as a reflex without conscious though. With shortened nails, it’s less likely that the dry, delicate skin will be punctured when you scratch it.

Think about getting a humidifier to help with your eczema. Particularly in the winter months, the dry air can cause your skin to become dry, a condition that can lead to eczema. A humidifier puts moisture back in the air. Your skin will be less likely to get too dry and worsen eczema.

Instead of scratching, try using ice to cool itchy areas. You can get an inexpensive gel compress and keep it in the freezer. Take it out and hold it over itchy areas whenever you need to. Keep a dry washcloth in your purse or pocket at all times. If you become very itchy away from home, soak the cloth in cold water. Hold it over the itchy area.

Always preform a patch test. When you are trying a new product, it is important to know whether or not it will irritate your skin before putting it all over yourself. Take a small amount of the product and apply it to a small portion of your skin. After a few hours, you should be able to determine whether or not it triggers your eczema.

Eczema is not a life-threatening condition, but that does not mean that it cannot make your life miserable. Anyone who suffers from eczema knows just how unpleasant it can be when it flares up. Fortunately, you can treat your eczema by using the tips and information that you have read here.

Everything You Need To Know About Treating Eczema was originally published on Spring