Eczema is a pretty common skin condition, but it can be debilitating. If you have eczema or know someone who does, the information here can help. This article has gathered some great, expert advice on helping you to tackle your eczema and gain control.
Avoid hot showers if you have eczema. Instead, showers need to be quick and warm. Steer clear of soaps and choose gentle cleansers. Once your skin is clean, pat it gently to dry it.
When thinking of eczema, it probably doesn’t occur to you that your clothing can affect your condition. However, what you wear will dictate your level of comfort. Cotton clothing that is loose fitting will feel good against your skin. Avoid coarse materials like wool against the skin. Before you wear any new garment, wash it using a mild detergent. Then rinse it twice to get out all the soap.
Make sure not to touch your skin if you have eczema. Eczema can really cause you to be uncomfortable. If you scratch, though, you will just feel the need to continue scratching. This may cause your skin to become infected. Use as much moisturizer as you can and use a cold compress.
Wear clothes that do not cause additional irritation on your skin. Certain fabrics, particularly synthetics, cause eczema to flare. It is best to wear cotton when dealing with eczema. Additionally, be sure to wash newly purchased clothing prior to wearing it. You want to use a detergent that is mild and with no scent, and be sure that no fabric softener is used.
Make sure your home is a comfortable temperature. Extreme temperatures can cause flare ups. If it is hot, then keep it cool with an AC. If it is cold enough outside, then use a humidifier inside. The humidifier is a great prevention technique concerning dry skin.
Eczema can make a person have itchy and dry skin. To reduce these symptoms apply a moisturizer often. Moisturizers are believed to hydrate the skin, but this isn’t always the case. A good moisturizer that is applied on a regular basis will lock in moisture and natural body oils. When that happens, this helps to prevent the skin from becoming dry and cracked.
Protective Layer
Opt for ointments when choosing a moisturizer. These are great for eczema, since they add a protective layer that keeps moisture locked in. Creams and lotions do not form this protective layer. Therefore, particularly in places where your skin is crack, apply an ointment.
Keep sweating to a minimum when experiencing a flare-up. Getting overheated can also aggravate the symptoms of eczema. If you like to stay active, be sure you cool down when you’re done with your activity. Try showering as soon as possible after working out.
A warm bath can help you relieve your eczema itching. Make sure, though, that the water is not overly hot or cold. Add some Epson salts, baking soda and/or colloidal oatmeal to the water for soothing relief. Or, you could pour 1/2 cup of bleach into a standard bath to reduce skin bacteria.
Research shows that using text reminders for eczema are helpful. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis. 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. The majority of patients wished to keep receiving the text messages.
As you’ve read above, many treatments are out there for eczema. With these tips you can stop eczema’s wrath for good. Keep this information in mind as you battle this condition, and always refer back to the tips in from above to keep from suffering any longer.