Do you know what eczema is? Do you suffer from this condition, or does your child? If so, you know how unpleasant it can be to have irritated, itchy skin that just won't go away. There are ways to treat eczema so that it does not flare up as frequently. Read on to learn more.
When you have eczema, you should take caution to clean the skin gently. Once you have washed your skin, and it is still moist, apply a good moisturizer to the skin within three minutes to ensure the moisture is sealed into the skin. You may even want to soak in a nice oatmeal bath as well before you moisturize.
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.
If you have eczema, rubbing your skin with a towel to get it dry may aggravate your eczema and lead to a flare-up. Rubbing produces friction which can irritate sensitive skin areas. It also removes your body's naturals oils. When drying you body after bathing, use a towel to pat your skin until it's partially dry. While your skin is still a bit damp, apply a moisturizer to lock in the bath's moisture.
Learn what triggers your eczema. Some people get flare up from dust mites, cosmetics, and certain foods. Even things like grass, soaps, and perfumes can cause flare-ups. Some items can trigger symptoms in almost all eczema sufferers like fragrances and cleaning products. When you learn what items make your symptoms worse, try to stay away from them.
Wear non-irritating clothing. Some fabrics, especially synthetic ones, can trigger flare-ups. If you are dealing with eczema, try to stick with cotton clothing. You should also be sure that all new clothing you purchase is washed before you put it on. You want to use a detergent that is mild and with no scent, and be sure that no fabric softener is used.
Trim and clean your fingernails. This will minimize the harm you might do if you find yourself scratching as you sleep. Doing this can exacerbate your flareup, and therefore your nails need to stay short. Clean your nails also.
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.
Take a bath at least once a day. Showers are great for getting clean, but sitting in the tub is the best way to soothe and moisturize your skin. You do not need to limit yourself to one bath a day. If you find that it helps, take as many baths as you need to.
Make good use of creams containing hydrocortisone. A 1% solution will help ease itching. You can use this type of preparation two or three times a day for a week. Be careful not to overuse it because it is a steroid. Using it for too long could be unsafe.
Take care not to scratch. If you tend to scratch in your sleep, be sure the itchy areas are covered by gauze, bandages or pajamas. Trim your fingernails very short so that you will not be able to scratch much while sleeping. Use cold compresses and/or anti-itch treatments right before bed.
Vacuuming is a better choice than sweeping. Sweeping will stir up the dust and put it back into the air. Using a vacuum (with a good filtering bag) will capture the particles and remove them from the air you breathe and keep them from resettling on the surfaces of your house.
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.
Taking care of your mattress is important too. Your mattress will accumulate dead skin cells, dust, dust mites and other irritating particles. This is why you need to vacuum your mattress on a regular basis to keep those irritants to a minimum. After all, one third of your life is spent in your bed so it need to be a safe zone.
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.
Since the most bothersome symptom of eczema is dry and extremely itchy skin, most doctors recommend a lotion or cream to keep the skin moist. The skin of a person suffering from eczema can become infected if it is damaged due to scratching. Prescription creams containing hydrocortisone can be quite effective.
Only wear soft, comfortable, natural materials. Don't wear clothes that are scratchy, itchy or irritating in any way. Organic cotton is an excellent choice in clothing materials for people with eczema. Always be sure to wash your new clothing items before you wear them. This will remove preservatives and any other chemicals that might be on the cloth.
Eczema is not a life-threatening condition, but that does not mean that it cannot make your life miserable. Anyone who suffers from eczema knows just how unpleasant it can be when it flares up. Fortunately, you can treat your eczema by using the tips and information that you have read here.
Orignal From: You Can Clear Away The Eczema Confusion With This Advice
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