Many people today are living with a condition they would rather not discuss. That condition is eczema, and if you have it, you know how embarrassing it can be. However, it does not have to be some dirty little secret. There are ways to treat it so that it is something you can live with. Keep reading for more information.
If you seek relief for your dry or itchy skin, focus on creams and ointments as moisturizers. They work better than creams and lotions. Petroleum jelly is a good option, too. No matter which product you use, look for one that doesn’t contain alcohol and is fragrance free. Try to get your skin moisturized twice a day at least.
While you cannot always control this, try to avoid sweating as much as possible. If you work out or you find yourself getting overheated, jump in the shower as soon as possible. It should help with your skin. Otherwise, pay attention to the weather forecast, dress appropriately and cool off as much as you can, whenever you can.
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.
So, you think you have eczema. Have you visited a doctor yet to confirm your self-diagnosis? Not only are there several kinds of eczema, there are also several skin condition which are quite similar to eczema. Only a professional, such as a dermatologist has the education and experience to make an accurate diagnosis. The only way to experience effective treatment is by having an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
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.
Keep your stress levels down if you have eczema. The chances of having it flare up increase when you are stressed out. Stress can also make eczema itchier and more uncomfortable. That can create a never-ending cycle of anger and frustration from dealing with both your stress and your skin. Try relaxing by doing activities like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
Remember to moisturize your skin. Moisturizing your skin regularly is one of the best ways you can combat eczema. Look for thick, unscented moisturizers that will not aggravate your skin. Too many chemicals or additives in a moisturizer can be counterproductive. Apply it on a daily basis, especially after taking a shower or bath.
Speak with your doctor about your eczema if changing your lifestyle isn’t enough. They may be able to help you find a medication that helps ease the symptoms. These medications can be over-the-counter antihistamines or creams. More serious cases may require a prescription medication. Make sure that whatever they suggest or give you is used as directed.
Be wary of changes in temperature. A dramatic change in temperature can cause your eczema to flare up. Try to keep your home a temperature that will not aggravate your skin. Be sure to use air conditioning when it is particularly hot out. When it is cold, use a humidifier to keep your skin from drying out.
Pay attention to your choice of fabrics. Certain types of clothes and ones that are tight can cause an eczema flare-up. It is best to wear cotton or cotton blends. You will find other fabrics can be an irritant. Also, try to wash your clothes efficiently. Do not use a laundry detergent that is irritating.
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.
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.
Should your eczema start to bother you, do not itch, no matter how tempted you are to do so. Scratching not only makes itching worse, but it can actually irritate your skin and even cause infection. Try to find other ways to deal with the itching; apply cold compresses to the affected area or use medications.
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.
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.
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.
Now that you’ve read this article, you are equipped to deal with your eczema. Use the advice you’ve just been given to make the condition more bearable and your life more comfortable. Then, you’ll be free to focus more on the things that really matter to you. Life is too short.
