Many people today are dealing with a complicated skin condition to treat called eczema. Although you may not be able to clear it up completely, with helpful tips such as the ones below, you can definitely keep it in check. Continue below for helpful advice on how to go about treating eczema.
Understand what makes your eczema act up. It could be that there is a certain type of soap that gets you every time, for example. In most cases, you do not want to use anything that has a scent attached to it. That means it may be necessary to avoid perfume, some body lotions and even certain types of make-up.
When thinking of eczema, most people don’t consider their clothing. This is of great importance to your comfort. Cotton clothing that is loose fitting will feel good against your skin. Stay away from rougher material such as wool which can irritate the skin. Make sure all new clothes are washed in a mild detergent and rinsed twice prior to wearing them for the first time.
Make sure not to touch your skin if you have eczema. Eczema is extremely uncomfortable at times and can have a serious itch. However, the more you’re going to scratch, you’ll end up needing to scratch more. You can get yourself hurt by doing this and it could make an infection happen. Keep your skin moisturized when you can and use a cold compress when you have any problems.
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.
If you are getting ready to put something on your skin to moisturize it, like an ointment or a lotion, make sure you get your skin damp first. That will help the moisturizer do its job. It may be best to apply the product within a few minutes of getting out the shower or the bath. Simply pat yourself dry, so that you are not dripping wet, and then put the product on.
There are several medications you can try to help relieve the itching of eczema. Topical treatments including calamine lotion, which helps soothe the itching. Another topical option is an over-the-counter cream that contains one percent hydrocortisone. For severe itching, consider an oral over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Follow the instructions on the package, and remember that antihistamines may cause drowsiness.
If you have eczema, rubbing your skin with a towel to get it dry may aggravate your eczema and lead to a flare-up. Rubbing produces friction which can irritate sensitive skin areas. It also removes your body’s naturals oils. When drying you body after bathing, use a towel to pat your skin until it’s partially dry. While your skin is still a bit damp, apply a moisturizer to lock in the bath’s moisture.
Learn what triggers your eczema. Some people get flare up from dust mites, cosmetics, and certain foods. Even things like grass, soaps, and perfumes can cause flare-ups. Some items can trigger symptoms in almost all eczema sufferers like fragrances and cleaning products. When you learn what items make your symptoms worse, try to stay away from them.
Keep your home’s temperature comfortable if you’re someone dealing with eczema. Extreme temperatures can be irritating to the skin. During hot weather, cool your home with an air conditioner, and when the weather is cold, use a humidifier. The humidifier is a great prevention technique concerning dry skin.
Dust can cause issues. Rather than dry dusting, use a damp dust method instead. This will help capture the dust, rather than simply spreading it around the home. Also, because rugs and carpets are a beacon for dust, try not to have them in the house if at all possible.
Use an antibiotic ointment on severely cracked skin. This can prevent infections from forming. It also serves as a moisturizer. Do this sparingly though; prolonged use of antibiotic ointments can render them ineffective. If you do have an infection, you should consult your doctor, who may give you an oral antibiotic.
Keep your hands protected. These eczema-prone areas are exposed to water and irritating substances like cleaning products. Too much moisture or sweat can trigger symptoms. When you need to submerge them in water, try using rubber gloves. Wearing cotton gloves can also keep hands protected when doing work around the house. Try wearing cotton or leather gloves when doing outside work.
As you can see from the above article, there are many ways a person can minimize the condition called eczema. Don’t let it ruin your life any longer! Stick to the tips here to help feel better, and leave this terrible skin condition behind. Get started today, and soon you will feel a whole lot better!
Battling Eczema? Win The Fight With These Tips! was originally published on Spring