Does eczema drive you crazy? Are you interested in getting the best information on treatments? If you answered in the affirmative, this is the place for you, because the following article is chock full of useful tips that really can help.
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.
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.
Know what your triggers are so you can avoid them. Your triggers may laundry detergent, soaps, and dust. You should probably steer clear of any products that contain fragrances, chemicals or other unnatural additives. Choose pure and unscented products instead. This will help to reduce the discomfort of daily eczema flare-ups.
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.
Keep your hands protected. These eczema-prone areas are exposed to water and irritating substances like cleaning products. Too much moisture or sweat can trigger symptoms. When you need to submerge them in water, try using rubber gloves. Wearing cotton gloves can also keep hands protected when doing work around the house. Try wearing cotton or leather gloves when doing outside work.
Never scratch at itchy skin. Eczema can be quite itchy and unpleasant. It is important that you avoid the temptation to scratch. Scratching can cause your skin to only itch more. Worse, it could lead to infection. Find other ways to manage your itching. Try using medications or cold compresses.
People that have eczema are prone to skin infections. When the skin is irritated, sometimes its surface cracks and gaps are formed. Germs can envade the skin through these gaps and cause an infection. To reduce this risk, use a mild, non-drying cleanser on your skin to remove dirt, bacteria, and other foreign matter. Gently apply the cleanser with your fingertips and rinse it off with tepid water.
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.
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.
Put on some gloves. This will help protect your hands. When washing dishes, wear a pair of rubber gloves so your skin does not become irritated. Use gloves made of cotton when cleaning and protective leather or cotton gloves when going out in the cold. You definitely want to stay away from wool fabrics. It’s very irritating.
When taking a bath or shower, use only very gentle cleansers. Don’t scrub too hard. After you take a shower or a bath, pat your skin dry gently. Be sure to moisturize all over with a natural oil such as olive oil. This will help keep the moisture from your bath in your skin.
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.
Avoid soaps. Soap is a very alkaline substance that is not suitable for sensitive skin. If you do not feel like water gets you clean enough, try a cleanser with a neutral pH balance. Soaps with added fragrance are even worse for your skin when you suffer from eczema.
You may already know to change your sheets frequently but have you considered your curtains? Your curtains can attract a great amount of dust over time and that dust is released in the air whenever you open and close them. So you should wash them frequently or invest in some that are easier for you to wash.
When you are frustrated with your eczema, relief seems to be a hopeless dream. Luckily, now that you’ve read that above, you probably feel better about dealing with your own eczema in a successful manner. Keep this tips in mind and use them to find relief.