The Truth About Eczema And What To Do To Help It

Eczema can really hurt your self-esteem. Is this something that you can relate to? If so, keep reading for some excellent tips on dealing with eczema. 

 

If you have allergies, being exposed to what you are allergic to may make your eczema worse. Eczema is not an allergy, but some common allergens that could trigger eczema are dairy products, eggs, wheat and tomatoes. Other things that could make your eczema flare up are pet dander, pollen, dust and mold. 

 

If you are an eczema sufferer, make sure you keep your skin properly moisturized. This is a great way to make sure your flare ups are under your control. Moisturize frequently, especially when your skin is wet. Use moisturizers that are unscented. 

 

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. 

 

One common misconception about proper skin care of those who have eczema is to keep bathing to a minimum because it dries out the skin. Actually, dermatologists recommend that those who have atopic dermatitis should take a short, daily shower or bath in tepid water to hydrate their skin. However, it's important that the water is lukewarm and not hot. 

 

Talk to your doctor. Eczema is unpleasant, and you shouldn't have to suffer because of it. Get some professional advice if managing your eczema proves too difficult. A doctor can usually help determine what is causing your eczema, give you advice, and prescribe something to help, like a cream or antihistamine. 

 

Because eczema can be caused or aggravated by certain materials, choose your clothing with care. Clothes made of wool or synthetic materials may inflame your skin. Choose clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton. This is less likely to irritate your skin, and natural fibers allow your skin to breathe, making it less likely that you become overheated. Since heat and sweating can also aggravate eczema, choosing the right fabrics for your clothes is doubly important. 

 

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. 

 

Here is one deep treatment for the red, dry, itchy skin caused by eczema. When preparing for bed wash your hands with a mild soap, rinse with warm water and gently pat them dry. Slather on a thick layer of petroleum jelly all over your hands. Pull on some thin cotton gloves and hit the sack. The next morning your hands will be smoother and less itchy. 

 

If you suffer from eczema, try not to sweat too much. Of course, certain sweating cannot be avoided. But, it is important to try to keep the skin cool. If you do sweat, say from a workout or a jog, be sure to take a shower as soon as you are done. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

When cleaning your home, cover up your skin. As you clean, you are stirring up dust and dirt that can irritate your skin. Covering up your body can prevent this from occurring. Also, don't forget to wear gloves on your hands and keep hair up and away from your face. 

 

You want to use a good moisturizer on your skin immediately following a shower. Locking moisture into your skin is very important. After you bathe, your pores are open. Your skin maintains moisture for approximately three minutes after you exit of the shower. This is when you want to be sure you're moisturizing your skin after gently drying. 

 

Look for soap that has a neutral pH level. These include CeraVe, Vanicream, Oil of Olay, Cetaphil and Dove. Baking soda can also be used as a very mild soak or scrub. It cleans the skin and deodorizes. After washing, rinse it off with cool water. Follow up with a plain, unscented, natural moisturizer such as olive oil. 

 

If you must wear wool, such as in a cold climate, wear cotton underneath it. So invest in a set of lightweight cotton undergarments that can be used when wearing wool or any other potentially irritating fabrics. Polyester can also be an irritant because it can trap moisture in it which can lead to a flare-up. 

 

Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a remedy for many conditions; eczema is one of these conditions. This plant contains a gel-like sap that soothes the skin and keeps it hydrated. For the best results, it is wise to purchase an actual aloe vera plant from a local nursery and apply the gel to your skin. 

 

Avoid washing your hands or bathing too much. It is important that you keep your skin clean. However, too much washing can strip your skin of much needed moisture. This can dry your skin out and cause your eczema to flare up. Bathe as needed and be sure to apply moisturizer afterwards. 

 

You now have the right information to battle your eczema effectively. If you try something and it doesn't seem to help, simply move on to the next tip. You will eventually find a solution that works well for you. Try all the information provided here to get your skin back to normal. 

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