Many people today are dealing with a complicated skin condition called eczema. Although you may not be able to clear it up completely, you can keep it in check with helpful tips such as the ones below. Continue below for helpful advice on how to go about treating eczema.
As you may already know, when you have a flare-up with your eczema, its itching is almost unbearable. You want to scratch the affected skin, but you know that it will only make the situation worse if you do. A cold compress can curb your desire to scratch. The compress provides some relief because it reduces inflammation of the affected skin cells.
Avoid hot showers when you have eczema. Lukewarm showers are the way to go if you have eczema. Steer clear of soaps and choose gentle cleansers. When you finish your shower, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
When you consider the problem of eczema, most likely, you do not think about the type of clothing to wear. However, what you wear will dictate your level of comfort. Wear clothing that is loose fitting and made of breathable fabrics. Try to avoid rough materials such as wool. Wash your clothing in mild detergents, and rinse any new clothes two times before wearing them.
Lotions and creams do not usually work as well as ointments. Ointments have more oil in them, which generally helps them moisturize more effectively. However, they are a little harder to apply than creams, but they are much better at adding a protective layer to the skin and easing your symptoms.
Know what your triggers are so you can avoid them. Your triggers may be laundry detergent, soaps, and dust. You should probably steer clear of any products that contain fragrances, chemicals, or other unnatural additives. Choose pure and unscented products instead. This will help to reduce the discomfort of daily eczema flare-ups.
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 natural oils. When drying your body after bathing, use a towel to pat your skin until it’s partially dry. While your skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer to lock in the bath’s moisture.
Learn what triggers your eczema. Some people 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 avoid them.
If the air in your room is too dry, it may cause your eczema to act up. Therefore, a humidifier is often essential addition to an eczema sufferer’s home. Consider which rooms you spend the most time in and place the humidifier there. You should notice a difference in your skin.
Avoid stress. Stress can increase the intensity of eczema flare-ups. While it is true that eczema itself can stress you out, try not to let it. Practice relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Staying calm is your best defense for successfully battling your eczema.
Winter weather can cause eczema to worsen. Anytime your skin is exposed to frigid air, it needs a protective barrier to protect it from moisture loss. On any skin areas, such as the face or neck, heavily apply a moisturizer. Moisturizers will help you avoid dry and cracking skin because it locks in your skin’s natural oils.
One common misconception about proper skincare for those who have eczema is to keep bathing to a minimum because it dries out the skin. Dermatologists recommend that those atopic dermatitides take a short, daily shower or bath in tepid water to hydrate their skin. However, the water must be lukewarm and not hot.
Ensure the air is not too dry in your home, especially in the rooms you spend most of your time in. Dry air can cause breakouts of eczema. If it is the heating season or dry air in your home, you can fix that by putting a humidifier in those rooms.
Talk to your doctor. Eczema is unpleasant, and you shouldn’t have to suffer because of it. Get some professional advice if managing your eczema proves too difficult. A doctor can usually help determine what is causing your eczema, give you advice, and prescribe something to help, like a cream or antihistamine.
If you’re dealing with eczema from time to time, your outbreak maybe because of other things that are causing your allergies. Avoid things like harsh household detergents and scented laundry products. Pay attention to whether or not you have reacted to any product.
Avoid soaps. Soap is a very alkaline substance that is not suitable for sensitive skin. If you do not feel like water gets you clean enough, try a cleanser with a neutral pH balance. Soaps with added fragrance are even worse for your skin when you suffer from eczema.
When you bathe or shower, be sure to avoid extremes. Water that is too hot or too cold will irritate your skin. Hot water tends to leach all the moisture from the skin and may worsen your symptoms. Set the heat of your water at a comfortable, soothing level to avoid drying out your skin.
Rinse your laundry a second time. Laundry detergents can be terrible skin irritants. Even if you are already buying and using an unscented laundry detergent intended for sensitive skin, it may still cause your eczema to flare up. Try rinsing your laundry twice, getting as much detergent off your clothes as possible, to be safe.
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!
