Those who suffer from eczema will find that life is unpredictable. You might get perfect skin one minute, and unsightly breakouts the next. It can then take weeks to rid yourself of it. So, here are some ways to help you lessen the chance of a new flare-up while controlling the ones that you already have.
As you may already know, when you have a flare-up with your eczema, the itching associated with it is almost unbearable. You want to scratch the affected skin, but you know that if you do it will only make the situation worse. A cold compress can curb your desire to scratch. The compress provides some relief because it reduces inflammation of the affected skin cells.
Common treatments for eczema include topical creams and ointments that contain cortisone. You could try hydrocortisone that can be purchased at your local drug store. If this doesn't soothe your eczema, you should talk with your doctor about possibly getting a stronger prescription from him. These will work like other steroid creams, but will be able to be used for a longer time.
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.
If you have been prescribed medicine for your eczema, take it as directed. When all else fails, your doctor may be able to help ease your symptoms by prescribing you something a little stronger than what you can get over the counter. While no one really wants to rely on medication, sometimes it is necessary.
PABA-free sunscreen is the way to go with eczema. This ingredient has been known to be a trigger for some people with eczema. You should also carefully read the ingredient list even though the sunscreen says it is PABA-free. If you aren't sure about what to use, you can speak with a doctor to get a prescription sunscreen.
Be sure that the clothes you wear do not cause skin irritation. Fabrics, such as synthetics, can make eczema flares come alive. Cottons are best to wear if you have eczema. Also, wash all new clothes before you ever wear them. Don't use fabric softeners or detergents that contain fragrances.
To reduce eczema flare-ups, there are some basic bathing rules you can follow. Use room temperature water in your tub or shower. Hot water can cause eczema flare-ups. Don't scrub your skin. Use a gentle soap alternative instead of soap itself. Pat your skin dry, and liberally apply moisturizer when you are done bathing.
Do not scratch your eczema. It is hard to resist because eczema is an itchy skin condition, but scratching makes it worse. You can increase the itching, damage your skin, and increase your risk of getting an infection. Try keeping the skin moisturized, bathing regularly, and using cold compresses to alleviate itching.
Dust can cause issues. Rather than dry dusting, use a damp dust method instead. This will help capture the dust, rather than simply spreading it around the home. Also, because rugs and carpets are a beacon for dust, try not to have them in the house if at all possible.
Remember to moisturize your skin. Moisturizing your skin regularly is one of the best ways you can combat eczema. Look for thick, unscented moisturizers that will not aggravate your skin. Too many chemicals or additives in a moisturizer can be counterproductive. Apply it on a daily basis, especially after taking a shower or bath.
Eczema has triggers, and it is important you determine what those are. You may have to look at the colognes, soap, even your laundry soap, all the way to the material you wear to determine what causes problems. Are you stressed out? Do you sweat a lot? Once you figure out the trigger(s), avoid them whenever possible.
Try to avoid stress. Too much stress can trigger eczema. Of course, eczema is itchy and unpleasant and can lead to even more stress. Break the cycle by finding ways to unwind. Find a new, relaxing hobby. Devote a few days a week to getting some exercise. Find a method of getting rid of stress that works for you.
Get in the bath if you feel an eczema break-out coming on. Not only does the bath add some much needed moisture to your skin, but it also is needed to remove debris and irritants that may be causing the break out. Don't add oils or perfumes to the bath.
How you bathe is important if you suffer from eczema. For starters, stay away from hot showers or baths; this will just irritate your skin. Use water that is room temperature. Do not scrub your skin and stay away from scented soaps. When you are done showering, pat your skin dry.
During the summer months, beware of which sunscreens you use if you have eczema. Every eczema sufferer has certain triggers, but sunscreen lotions are a common one. If you try multiple sunscreens and every one of them seem to cause a flare-up, you may want to chat with your doctor about a prescription alternative.
Try keeping a food diary. Different foods can cause your eczema to flare up. If you are having trouble determining what to eliminate from your diet, try keeping a record of everything you eat. Look for trends and correlations between your skin irritation and the food you have been eating.
Avoid feather pillows and opt for a pillow that is less likely to attract and keep dust mites. Foam pillows may be a better choice for you and you can also invest in pillowcases that help keep dust, dust mites and allergens from getting into the pillow in the first place.
As you probably know now, taking on eczema is something that isn't always easy to do. That's why these tips are of such importance. Not only will the tips reduce the discomfort from current breakouts, but they can also prevent new outbreaks. So take the tips you learned above and put them into action today.
Orignal From: What You Ought To Know About Eczema
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