Eczema is an uncomfortable and irritating condition. If you suffer from it, you know you will do anything it takes to keep the symptoms at bay. Take heed to the following tips and tricks about dealing with eczema. When your skin is symptom-free, you will be glad you did.
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.
Pick moisturizers which come in cream or ointment form. These are better at what they do than the lotions out there. You could even use something as simple as petroleum jelly to soften the skin. Whatever you’re going to use, just be sure you get it alcohol free and fragrance free. Apply moisturizer to your skin twice every day.
Make your moisturizer your best friend. Every time you wash your hands or take a bath, apply the moisturizer. Do not get fancy. Anything that has a scent attached to it could exacerbate your condition. Also, look for a very thick product to get the best results for your skin.
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.
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.
Make sure to wear clothing that doesn’t irritate your skin. You may find that some fabrics can trigger flare ups. It is best to wear cotton when dealing with eczema. Make sure that you launder new clothes before you put them on. Use a natural laundry soap and avoid perfumed fabric softeners.
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.
Your moisturizer selection should focus on ointments. Ointments provide superior treatment for eczema as they help lock in the moisture by applying a protective layer. Lotions and other creams you might be using aren’t going to provide this soothing relief. Ointments are much better here to help cracked skin.
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.
One effective skin care regimen which will reduce flare-ups and improve response to medication and treatment is proper application of moisturizers. Moisturizers trap moisture in the skin, so applying moisturizers no later than 3 minutes after bathing is highly effective. Of course, it is still important to continue to apply a moisturizer to very dry patches of skin throughout the day.
People that have eczema are prone to skin infections. When the skin is irritated, sometimes its surface cracks and gaps are formed. Germs can envade the skin through these gaps and cause an infection. To reduce this risk, use a mild, non-drying cleanser on your skin to remove dirt, bacteria, and other foreign matter. Gently apply the cleanser with your fingertips and rinse it off with tepid water.
Think about your clothing. Clothing can be an eczema trigger. Cotton is the best fabric for eczema sufferers to wear. If you use other fabrics, then it could possibly lead to more eczema outbreaks. Also, watch how you’re washing your clothing. Use gentle laundry detergents, and stay away from fabric softeners.
Make sure 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 you have particularly dry air in your home, you can fix that by putting a humidifier in those rooms.
The clothing you wear can affect whether or not you have eczema flare-ups. Those with eczema should wear clothing made of cotton or cotton blend. On the other hand, clothing made of synthetic fibers and wools ought to be avoided, as they can irritate your skin. Also, wash any clothing you purchase before wearing it.
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.
As stated above, eczema is a very unpleasant condition that reduces your quality of life. Dealing with itching, burning and blemished skin is no treat. Stay in touch with your dermatologist and follow the tips above to keep your skin happy and healthy. You will not regret making the effort.
