If you have eczema, you know how hindering it can be. It can erode self-confidence in even the most confident of folks. However, you don't have to let yourself become victim to this unwanted malady. The following tips will help you live with and treat eczema and its annoying flare-ups.
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.
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.
There are several medications you can try to help relieve the itching of eczema. Topical treatments including calamine lotion, which helps soothe the itching. Another topical option is an over-the-counter cream that contains one percent hydrocortisone. For severe itching, consider an oral over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Follow the instructions on the package, and remember that antihistamines may cause drowsiness.
Discuss medications with your doctor. If an over-the-counter medication doesn't do the trick, a prescription one might. Use store-bought and prescription medication as directed. Straying from the instructions could cause more harm than good. At the very least, it will be ineffective, resulting in a waste of both effort and money.
Try using ointments when you moisturize. This will be better for the surface of your skin. Lotions do not have the same impact. For this reason, ointments are significantly better for areas where skin has cracked open due to eczema.
If your baby has eczema, bathe him or her every day. This will help to keep the skin moisturized and free from infection. Besides hydrating your baby's skin to help keep flare-ups at bay, baths can be fun for babies, and you can use them as an opportunity to further bond with yours.
Try to avoid taking hot baths and showers. The extreme temperatures of the water can actually cause eczema flare-ups. The humidity and steam can also dry your skin out, which can make eczema uncomfortable. Try using water that is room temperature any time you shower or take a bath.
If your doctor has approved over-the-counter ointments for your eczema, make sure you get the right kinds. You should be looking at products that are only 20% water and 80% oil. While they may feel greasier, they will lock moisture in your skin better. Try not to use these products in areas that get sweaty.
Be gentle when dealing with your eczema. This means only gently drying your skin and gently applying your moisturizer. Your skin is compromised and very sensitive. To keep your soft and supple, you need to treat it with a gentle touch. Avoid friction, scratching, and exfoliating. You should also avoid using harsh bathing items like loofah sponges and shower puffs.
Do you have eczema on your hands or wrists? Cold winter weather can be really brutal on these areas if they are not properly protected. The cold, dry air associated with winter can increase the dryness of your skin. Of course, this can cause a flare-up of your eczema. To help prevent this from happening, rub a ointment-based moisturizer on your hands and wrists. When you go outside, wear gloves for added protection.
Make sure to put gloves on your hands. Your hands need to be protected. For example, you should wear rubber gloves when you do the dishes. When you do chores, wear cotton gloves, and wear leather gloves in the cold. Avoid wool. Wool can make it to where your skin gets irritated.
Moisturize your skin immediately after taking a bath. Applying lotion to your skin soon after your bath helps to lock in the moisture and prevents your skin from drying too much. For the best results, use a intensive moisturizer that does not have added perfumes or dyes, which can dry your skin more.
Always preform a patch test. When you are trying a new product, it is important to know whether or not it will irritate your skin before putting it all over yourself. Take a small amount of the product and apply it to a small portion of your skin. After a few hours, you should be able to determine whether or not it triggers your eczema.
If you have eczema occasionally, an outbreak may be related to other things that cause allergies. Avoid using strong household chemicals as much as possible, as well as perfumed laundry products. Take care to notice if any type of pattern develops that may associate an outbreak with any of these products.
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 out of skin and may make your symptoms worse. Set the heat of your water at a comfortable, soothing level to avoid drying out your skin.
Certain foods you eat can cause your eczema to flare up. However, it is sometimes hard to figure out which foods are causing your flare-ups. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a food diary. Document each food you consume each day so you can find a pattern of which foods cause flare-ups.
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, just to be safe.
Now that you have come to the end of this article, you know a thing or two about eczema. Use the information you have just read to provide yourself with some relief. Once you've gotten a handle on what works for you, you'll become more confident and enjoy a better quality of life.
Orignal From: Terrific Tips For Living Life With Eczema
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