Have you been suffering from eczema? If you are, then you know how miserable it can be. If you answered yes to the above questions, know that help is on the way. Continue reading for some helpful tips to controlling eczema.

Some individuals that have a severe case of eczema find relief by taking their baths in water which has a small portion of bleach added to it. This helps because the bleach actually kills bacteria which takes up residence on the skin of those who are plagued with eczema. Of course, don’t take a long bath or use really hot water because both can rob your skin of its natural moisture.

As you may already know, when you have a flare-up with your eczema, the itching associated with it is almost unbearable. You want to scratch the affected skin, but you know that if you do it will only make the situation worse. A cold compress can curb your desire to scratch. The compress provides some relief because it reduces inflammation of the affected skin cells.

Choose a PABA-free sunscreen. This ingredient can cause problems for eczema sufferers. Also, be sure to look at the ingredient list for any other things that may irritate your skin. You can also talk to a doctor about some prescription sunscreen if you have problems finding one.

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.

Avoid becoming overheated. Excess sweat can trigger eczema flare-ups. If you do work out, take a shower afterwards. In fact, shower after any bout of strenuous activity, which could include things like gardening or heavy housework. Keeping your skin clean will help to keep you comfortable and your eczema flare-ups at bay.

If you are an eczema sufferer, make sure you keep your skin properly moisturized. This is the most effective way to control flare-ups. Make sure that you moisturize each and every day. Avoid harsh chemicals and additives, and use only unscented products.

Discuss medications with your doctor. If an over-the-counter medication doesn’t do the trick, a prescription one might. Use store-bought and prescription medication as directed. Straying from the instructions could cause more harm than good. At the very least, it will be ineffective, resulting in a waste of both effort and money.

Make sure you wear clothes that are comfy as possible. People that have eczema have skin that is very sensitive to certain fabrics. Try sticking with clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or cotton blends. Try to avoid wearing synthetic fabrics or wool since these materials can cause flare-ups.

Sweeping can cause issues with dust, and dust is not good for eczema. Vacuuming will keep the house clean while helping you to avoid flare-ups. While you have the cleaner out, head up to the bedrooms and vacuum the mattresses as well. This will help ensure that your room stays as dust-free as possible.

If you live in an area that experiences cold weather in the winter, buy a humidifier to help decrease eczema flare-ups. During the cold winter months, we close all of our windows and turn on the furnace. This can make the air inside of a house very dry which makes the itching and dry skin associated with eczema even worse. To replace moisture in your internal environment, use a humidifier. This added moisture will keep your skin from becoming dry, cracked, itchy and irritated.

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.

When taking a bath or shower, use only very gentle cleansers. Don’t scrub too hard. After you take a shower or a bath, pat your skin dry gently. Be sure to moisturize all over with a natural oil such as olive oil. This will help keep the moisture from your bath in your skin.

Taking care of your mattress is important too. Your mattress will accumulate dead skin cells, dust, dust mites and other irritating particles. This is why you need to vacuum your mattress on a regular basis to keep those irritants to a minimum. After all, one third of your life is spent in your bed so it need to be a safe zone.

If you’re an eczema sufferer and feel like there’s no help out there, this article should change your mind. Now you realize that your life needs not be controlled by this condition. Use what you’ve learned to feel comfortable again.

Have Eczema Questions? Get Your Answers Here was originally published on Spring