When you have eczema, life can be unpredictable. One day, you might not have a problem, but the next you have a flare up. Then, it might take days or weeks to go away. So, below are some methods to help you prevent and control your eczema.

If you need a soothing solution for eczema symptoms, look for a moisturizer in ointment or cream form. They’re far better than watery lotions. Even petroleum jelly can help moisten and soften your skin. No matter which product you use, look for one that doesn’t contain alcohol and is fragrance free. Work on using moisturizer no less than twice daily.

Try your hardest not to scratch. Eczema can be extremely itchy, but you have to avoid scratching. But, scratching it can cause it to become more itchy. This can damage your skin and sometimes cause infection. Try using moisturizer often and putting cold compresses on it to relieve symptoms.

Make sure to wear clothing that doesn’t irritate your skin. Non-natural fibers, such as synthetics, will cause irritation. If you are an eczema sufferer, cotton should be your first choice. Wash your clothes when you buy them new, too. Mild detergent that is unscented should be used and never use softener.

The temperature within your home should always be kept at a comfortable level. Extreme temperatures may cause skin irritation and/or flare-ups. When it’s hot out, use the air condition and run a humidifier when the temperature is low. A humidifier will add moisture into the air.

Dry, itchy skin is one of the hallmarks of eczema. To reduce these symptoms, you need to apply moisturizers. Despite what many believe, moisturizers do hydrate skin. Instead, it locks in the moisture and oils that your body naturally produces. When used, moisturizers will help prevent dry, cracked skin.

Nails should be well trimmed and clean. While you likely understand that you shouldn’t scratch, you might actually do it while you are sleeping. This just makes the situation worse, and having long nails can compound the problem. Make sure your nails are as clean as possible, too.

A warm bath can help you relieve your eczema itching. However, it must be warm and not hot or cold. Try sprinkling baking soda or colloidal oatmeal in your bath to help soothe your skin. You might also try putting a bit of bleach into your bath to help get rid of skin bacteria.

There are often triggers that cause eczema, and you need to figure out what they are. It might be a certain fabric, soap, a laundry detergent, or something else entirely. Are you stressed out? Do you sweat a lot? After you learn what the triggers are, you can avoid them when you can.

Pay attention to the clothes that you wear. Certain materials can trigger eczema. Choose cotton fabrics if you can. Other fabrics are more likely to irritate the skin. Also, note how you wash your linens and clothes. Fabric softener and strong chemical detergents should be avoided.

Use a humidifier in your room. They will help emit steam in the air. This steam has water in it that make the environment more moist. This will keep your skin soft to the touch. As a warning, though, keep it clean at all times.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Moisturized skin will feel much better during the day. Use unscented moisturizer or petroleum jelly, which contain limited ingredients. Chemicals and fragrances that some moisturizers have can make your eczema worse rather than soothing it.

Eczema symptoms can be something you battle your whole life, so it’s important that you maintain control. Put these tips to use to deal with it. They will allow you to make sure you don’t have as many flare-ups that are bad in the future. Now it’s time to put all of these tips into action.