Eczema is very unpleasant. It is known for causing inflammation, itchiness and redness of the skin. If you are suffering from this problem, you should look for help as soon as possible. The tips that follow will assist you on your journey to control your eczema.
Avoid taking hot showers if you suffer from eczema. Daily showers need to be short and warm. Gently cleanse the skin with a moisturizing skin cleanser rather than soap. When you have your skin cleaned off, pat it dry gently.
Make sure that you use creams when moisturizing your skin. Both of these are better than using a lotion. Petroleum jelly is a good option, too. Whatever you use, make it free of fragrance and alcohol. Moisturize twice daily at a minimum.
Eczema Flare
If you have eczema, avoid stressful situations if you can. Stress is known to lead to eczema flare-ups. Learn techniques like meditation or yoga to deal with stress. This can keep eczema flare ups from happening.
You nails should always be trimmed and clean. Even though you know you should not scratch your skin, you might do it in your sleep. This may make a rash worse, and if your nails are long it will make the problem worse. Make sure you clean under nails regularly.
Try to avoid becoming sweaty as much as possible to reduce the risk of an eczema flare up. Eczema symptoms can be aggravated by overheating or sweating. If you do exercise, make sure you cool down soon after. Get into the shower as soon as you can.
Enjoy a warm bath to soothe your skin. However, it must be warm and not hot or cold. Sprinkle some oatmeal or baking soda into your bath to soothe your skin. One other option is adding 4 ounces of bleach to an average 40-gallon bath tub of water to eliminate any bacteria that may be on your skin.
There are often triggers that cause eczema, and you need to figure out what they are. Various items such as fabrics, soaps and detergents can cause flare-ups. Stress or perspiration could also cause flareups. Find out your triggers and take steps to avoid them.
You could use modern technology to text yourself reminders to treat your skin. Atopic dermatitis is a very common eczema form. Harvard Medical School research has shown that in patients aged 14 and up had great success with text messaging. Messages helped such individuals adhere to their plan of treatment, thus lessening their symptoms. Most patients wished to get these messages sent to them for a long time.
While your skin is still damp, use the moisturizer in the area on which the eczema appears. Your skin utilizes this period to retain all the moisture it can. Blot the skin by using a towel so as to prevent removal of too much natural moisture. Then you can put on your moisturizer. You will notice an immediately difference in the way your skin looks and feels.
Hot Showers
Never take extremely hot showers. Hot showers might feel wonderful, but they can actually irritate your skin. If you suffer from eczema, limit or eliminate hot showers. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable. Gently clean your skin and apply moisturizer.
Keep skin moisturized. Soft, flexible skin is not likely to have an outbreak. Make use of unscented ointments or petroleum jelly that will have few ingredients to cause irritation. Chemicals and fragrances in some moisturizers might aggravate eczema.
Determine the triggers for your eczema. Dust mites can be the cause in some people. Scented soaps may be what is causing eczema flare-ups. Knowing what causes eczema can help you prevent it. You might need to change some habits, but it will be worth it not having to deal with flare ups.
The actual reasons for eczema are not known and it cannot be cured, but there are some effective treatments available. There are many ways that your skin may become dry and cracked. Wear gloves while washing dishes so you can avoid this. Those who have a sensitivity to latex should wear a pair of thin, cotton gloves as a barrier between the latex and their skin. When you are finished washing the dishes, gently dry your hands before applying moisturizer.
As you can now see, there are ways to effectively treat eczema. It is up to you to find the best treatment that will give you the quickest relief. Knowing eczema triggers can also help you stay away from future problems.