Eczema Skin Care Tips For Problem Skin

Few people would dispute the notion that eczema can be a difficult and frustration condition with which to be afflicted. But, there are indeed ways to combat eczema and mitigate the impact it has on daily life. Continue reading below to gain some terrific insights on how best to handle this pesky condition. 

 

Lotions and creams do not usually work as well as ointments. Ointments have a bit more oil in them, which generally helps them moisturize more effectively. They are a little harder to apply than creams, however, but they are much better at adding a protective layer to the skin and easing your symptoms. 

 

Moisturize your skin often. Moisturizers can help out a lot in fighting eczema. You should do this after a shower or bath. Use moisturizers that have no scent or additives. This will only cause to irritate the surface of your skin. Thick ointments and creams work best. 

 

Resist the urge to scratch. Scratching will only intensify that itchy feeling. It can also cause harm to your skin, including infection. Find other ways to relieve that itch. Use moisturizers, medications, cold compresses, and long soaks in the tub instead. These methods relieve your itch and make you feel better. 

 

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. 

 

Use an antibiotic ointment on severely cracked skin. This can prevent infections from forming. It also serves as a moisturizer. Do this sparingly though; prolonged use of antibiotic ointments can render them ineffective. If you do have an infection, you should consult your doctor, who may give you an oral antibiotic. 

 

Moisturize immediately following bathing. This is the best time to do it because your skin is still damp. Make sure to only pat dry your skin between showering and moisturizing. You don't want to remove any moisture that your skin has already absorbed; that is counterproductive to treating your eczema. 

 

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. 

 

Even though eczema causes can be tough to determine, there are things that you can do. Dry cracked skin on your hands is called dishpan hands, a type of eczema. If you suffer from eczema on your hands, always use waterproof gloves when you wash dishes. If latex is an issue, use thin cotton gloves beneath the latex as protection. After you are done washing the dishes, gently cleanse your hands, dry them and then apply a good moisturizer immediately. 

 

Instead of scratching, try using ice to cool itchy areas. You can get an inexpensive gel compress and keep it in the freezer. Take it out and hold it over itchy areas whenever you need to. Keep a dry washcloth in your purse or pocket at all times. If you become very itchy away from home, soak the cloth in cold water. Hold it over the itchy area. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

If you have pets, take measure to keep their dander, dirt and dust from affecting you. That means they should not be in your bed at any time or on your couch. Consider getting their fur clipped to keep it short and to lessen the shedding. Also give them regular baths to keep them as clean as possible. 

 

When you buy new sheets, always wash them first. They may seem clean and fresh but they are likely stiff with starch or other chemicals that can be irritating to your skin. So give them a wash with a gentle detergent and use an unscented softener to reduce the risk of irritation to your skin. 

 

When taking a bath, don't use excessively hot water. It will dry out your skin which will aggravate your eczema. Use warm water, a gentle soap and a soft rag to clean any patches of eczema that you have. If you really want to use a loofah or a scrubbie then only use it on unaffected areas and rinse, clean and dry the loofah or scrubbie afterwards. 

 

Keep your emotions on an even keel. Stress causes lots of problems in lots of areas of life. It is no surprise that stress can make eczema symptoms worse. Avoid stressful situations and stress provoking people. Keep your life simple and organized. Practice stress management and stress reduction techniques. 

 

Always wash clothes and other fabrics before using them. Dyes and other chemicals that can irritate your skin can be found on fabrics after you buy them from the store. Always wash clothes before you wear them and sheets before you sleep in them. Use an unscented detergent, and rinse them twice. 

 

While exercise is a beneficial part of life, sweating can actually cause flareups occasionally for eczema sufferers. In order to help prevent this from occurring, one thing you can do is shower immediately after exercising. This limits the amount of time sweat has contact with your skin, which in turn limits your chances of a flareup. 

 

Eczema really is a condition that has the potential to cause untold irritation and upset to those battling it. However, by obtaining some useful information on the condition and how to effectively cope with it, life with eczema need not be so bad. We hope the article above has helped readers do just that. 

 

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