Eczema is a skin condition that primarily affects infants and young children, though adults can suffer from it as well. Your skin becomes irritated and inflamed, and it often makes you itch uncontrollably. Fortunately, there are some effective means of treating eczema. Keep reading to find out more about this condition.

When you have eczema, you should take caution to clean the skin gently. Once you have washed your skin, and it is still moist, apply a good moisturizer to the skin within three minutes to ensure the moisture is sealed into the skin. You may even want to soak in a nice oatmeal bath as well before you moisturize.

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.

Look for PABA-free sunscreen. This is an ingredient that has a reputation of making eczema worse. Pay close attention to the ingredient list, even if it says PABA-free. You can also talk to a doctor about some prescription sunscreen if you have problems finding one.

Experiment with suntan lotions to find one that works for you. Certain sunscreens may exacerbate your eczema while others will not. However, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Keep trying them until you find one you can live with. However, be sure to just test them on a small patch of skin first.

One common misconception about proper skin care of those who have eczema is to keep bathing to a minimum because it dries out the skin. Actually, dermatologists recommend that those who have atopic dermatitis should take a short, daily shower or bath in tepid water to hydrate their skin. However, it’s important that the water is lukewarm and not hot.

If your baby has eczema, bathe him or her every day. This will help to keep the skin moisturized and free from infection. Besides hydrating your baby’s skin to help keep flare-ups at bay, baths can be fun for babies, and you can use them as an opportunity to further bond with yours.

Try to avoid taking hot baths and showers. The extreme temperatures of the water can actually cause eczema flare-ups. The humidity and steam can also dry your skin out, which can make eczema uncomfortable. Try using water that is room temperature any time you shower or take a bath.

In areas which have cold weather during the winter, those who have eczema need to take special care to prevent flare-ups. When dressing for cold temperatures, it is important to dress in a way which does not promote overheating and sweating since both of these trigger the itching and scratching cycle. If one dresses in layers, the removal of extra garments can prevent overheating.

Speak with your doctor about your eczema if changing your lifestyle isn’t enough. They may be able to help you find a medication that helps ease the symptoms. These medications can be over-the-counter antihistamines or creams. More serious cases may require a prescription medication. Make sure that whatever they suggest or give you is used as directed.

Research shows that using text reminders for eczema are helpful. This skin condition is common for anyone suffering with eczema. Harvard Medical School did a study on the effects of text message reminders and found that patients 14 and older had great success. It not only helped patients adhere to their treatment plans, after the 6-week study many had less eczema. Most patients decided to continue getting these helpful messages.

If your doctor has approved over-the-counter ointments for your eczema, make sure you get the right kinds. You should be looking at products that are only 20% water and 80% oil. While they may feel greasier, they will lock moisture in your skin better. Try not to use these products in areas that get sweaty.

Help keep flare-ups at bay when you have eczema by being sure you moisten your skin. Skin that stays moist is more flexible and soft and won’t be as likely to crack. If you don’t have any unscented moisturizers, then petroleum jelly is a great substitute. Moisturizers with fragrance can cause eczema to flare up.

Try to always wear gloves. This will form a protective barrier for your hands. When doing the dishes, wear rubber gloves to avoid irritating your skin. Protect your hands with cotton gloves when tackling housework, and wear leather gloves when venturing into the cold. Avoid wool and other itchy fabrics. It can be very irritating for your skin.

While everyone feels itchy from time to time, people who suffer from eczema may find themselves itching constantly. This condition, if left untreated, can be very difficult to live with. However, there are things that you can do to keep your eczema under control. Use the tips you have read here to get started.

Advice To Help You Cope With Eczema was originally published on Spring