If you have eczema, you know how hindering it can be. It can erode self-confidence in even the most confident of folks. However, you don’t have to let yourself become victim to this unwanted malady. The following tips will help you live with and treat eczema and its annoying flare-ups.

While you cannot always control this, try to avoid sweating as much as possible. If you work out or you find yourself getting overheated, jump in the shower as soon as possible. It should help with your skin. Otherwise, pay attention to the weather forecast, dress appropriately and cool off as much as you can, whenever you can.

Dress in cotton, or at least wear a cotton blend. This type of fabric usually does not irritate people who have eczema. Avoid things like polyester, which can cause an outbreak. In addition, when you purchase new clothing, make sure you put it in the washing machine prior to wearing it.

Manage your stress. If you are upset, your eczema may flare up, which will only exacerbate an already frustrating situation. Learn how to deal with stress and keep yourself from getting too wound up. For example, deep breathing is one thing you can do just about anywhere to help keep your stress levels down.

Be careful when you put on sunscreen. You never know what may cause you to have an outbreak of eczema. The higher the SPF, the more likely it is that the sunscreen may cause you to have an issue. Try and find something with an SPF of around 35. That should protect your skin from the sun and keep it in good shape overall.

Those who have eczema should not use a washcloth or body sponge when they are taking a bath or a shower. If you wash your body with such rough-surfaced items, the friction will irritate your skin. Skin irritation can lead to a flare-up of your eczema. To clean your body, simply use your hands to lather up.

There are several things you can do to keep yourself from scratching your eczema. The best thing to do is keep it covered. Loose clothing may work, or try bandages or dressings on the afflicted area. Keep your fingernails trimmed short, and consider wearing gloves when you go to bed to avoid scratching while you are sleeping.

To reduce eczema flare-ups, there are some basic bathing rules you can follow. Use room temperature water in your tub or shower. Hot water can cause eczema flare-ups. Don’t scrub your skin. Use a gentle soap alternative instead of soap itself. Pat your skin dry, and liberally apply moisturizer when you are done bathing.

Keep your hands protected. Wear rubber gloves while washing dishes or performing another activity in which your hands are submersed in water. For further protection, wear cotton gloves underneath the rubber ones to reduce sweat and irritation. Use the cotton gloves while performing other activities, such as gardening and housework.

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.

Be gentle when dealing with your eczema. This means only gently drying your skin and gently applying your moisturizer. Your skin is compromised and very sensitive. To keep your soft and supple, you need to treat it with a gentle touch. Avoid friction, scratching, and exfoliating. You should also avoid using harsh bathing items like loofah sponges and shower puffs.

Get in the bath if you feel an eczema break-out coming on. Not only does the bath add some much needed moisture to your skin, but it also is needed to remove debris and irritants that may be causing the break out. Don’t add oils or perfumes to the bath.

Take care not to scratch. If you tend to scratch in your sleep, be sure the itchy areas are covered by gauze, bandages or pajamas. Trim your fingernails very short so that you will not be able to scratch much while sleeping. Use cold compresses and/or anti-itch treatments right before bed.

Vacuuming is a better choice than sweeping. Sweeping will stir up the dust and put it back into the air. Using a vacuum (with a good filtering bag) will capture the particles and remove them from the air you breathe and keep them from resettling on the surfaces of your house.

Now that you have come to the end of this article, you know a thing or two about eczema. Use the information you have just read to provide yourself with some relief. Once you’ve gotten a handle on what works for you, you’ll become more confident and enjoy a better quality of life.

Eczema Advice That Will Keep Your Skin Looking Great was originally published on Spring