Has eczema had a serious impact on you or someone you know? You may just need to learn some good advice for treating this condition. Fortunately, this article contains some expert tips to help you learn as much as you can about living with this condition.
Make your moisturizer your best friend. Every time you wash your hands or take a bath, apply the moisturizer. Do not get fancy. Anything that has a scent attached to it could exacerbate your condition. Also, look for a very thick product to get the best results for your skin.
Don’t scratch, even though it will be extremely tempting. Eczema will get very uncomfortable. If you decide to scratch, however, you’re going to find yourself scratching even more. You can also hurt your skin by doing so, and you may even cause an infection. Try using moisturizer often and putting cold compresses on it to relieve symptoms.
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.
The cold weather can damage your skin, particularly the skin on your hands. When you are outside in the winter, make sure you put on a pair of gloves. In particular, either cotton gloves or leather gloves will work the best. Stay away from wool gloves, as they may hurt more than they will help you.
Control your indoor temperature. Eczema tends to flare up during shifts in temps or humidity. Use your air conditioner to stay cool in the warmer months. A humidifier can help you keep your skin from drying out during colder weather. Staying comfortable temp wise will help reduce the frequency of flare ups.
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.
Eczema is characterized by dry, irritated skin. You can soothe dry skin by bathing with an unscented and mild soap. A pharmacist can direct you to the mildest varieties found at drugstores. After bathing in warm, not hot water, be sure to apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp which will help your skin retain moisture. If you make this your regular bathing routine you should see marked improvement in your eczema symptoms over time.
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.
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.
Certain foods you eat can cause your eczema to flare up. However, it is sometimes hard to figure out which foods are causing your flare-ups. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a food diary. Document each food you consume each day so you can find a pattern of which foods cause flare-ups.
Be cautious with your use of perfumes and fragrances. Fragrances can be one of the biggest triggers for allergy or eczema outbreaks. Many fragrances contain the same chemical so you may have to try a more natural fragrance such as essential oils if you want to have a nice smell without the chemicals.
Be sure to keep your skin clean. It is alright to bathe every day or even more often. It helps reduce itching by removing allergens and adding moisture. Additionally, soaking in a warm bath is a great way to reduce stress. So is taking a relaxing shower. Follow up with a great, natural moisturizer to soothe your skin.
Taking certain supplements is great for those suffering from eczema. Most people simply do not get the nutrients they need from the foods they eat everyday; this is why taking supplements is beneficial. Fatty acids can decrease inflammation and relieve dry skin, while vitamins A,D,and E hydrate the skin and give it a better texture.
The cause of eczema is not known, but certain people who also have allergies seem to be more susceptible to the condition. They may have an outbreak due to stress, scratchy materials next to their skin or getting overheated. Many people are able to control the condition by avoiding these conditions.
When picking your clothing, you need to stay away from polyester and wool fabrics. The reason for this is they irritate your skin, and clothes that are cotton are much better for you. You should also always wash a new clothing item prior to wearing it for the first time.
If you are someone who has ever had eczema, you probably know how the condition can be so annoying. These tips can give you the winning edge in a battle with eczema. It is hoped this article is a resource for the information you need.
