Eczema can be a chronic condition that comes and goes. But during the times when you are experiencing a flair-up, it can disrupt your life in many ways. So learning the triggers and what you can do to keep it from taking over is essential. So here are some proven ways to help you keep your breakouts to a minimum.

When thinking of eczema, most people don’t consider their clothing. This is essential for comfortable skin, though. Wear clothes that are loose on the body and made of cotton. Steer clear of rough fabric such as wool. Wash everything you buy right away in a mild, natural laundry soap.

Common treatments for eczema include topical creams and ointments that contain cortisone. You could try hydrocortisone that can be purchased at your local drug store. If this doesn’t soothe your eczema, you should talk with your doctor about possibly getting a stronger prescription from him. These will work like other steroid creams, but will be able to be used for a longer time.

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.

Some researchers have linked eczema to a Vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, a little bit of sunlight may help your condition. Do not go overboard, however. Spend about ten minutes in the sun each day. If you are going to be out longer than that, apply sunscreen and go about your business.

If the air in your room is too dry, it may cause your eczema to act up. Therefore, a humidifier is often an important addition to an eczema sufferer’s home. Consider which rooms you spend the most time in and place the humidifier there. You should notice a difference in your skin.

To reduce eczema flare-ups, there are some basic bathing rules you can follow. Use room temperature water in your tub or shower. Hot water can cause eczema flare-ups. Don’t scrub your skin. Use a gentle soap alternative instead of soap itself. Pat your skin dry, and liberally apply moisturizer when you are done bathing.

Eczema causes aren’t widely known, and while there isn’t a cure, there are effective treatments available. Dishpan hands is actually a form of eczema characterized by dry, cracked skin. Try to use gloves when you are doing the dishes. If you have a latex sensitivity, then combat that by wearing thin cotton gloves underneath the latex ones to keep the skin protected. Be sure to clean your hands after you’re done and moisturize them.

Always preform a patch test. When you are trying a new product, it is important to know whether or not it will irritate your skin before putting it all over yourself. Take a small amount of the product and apply it to a small portion of your skin. After a few hours, you should be able to determine whether or not it triggers your eczema.

Consider getting rid of your carpets and throw rugs throughout your house. Carpet and rugs are known for harboring dust mites, allergens and other microscopic irritants which can cause an eczema flair-up. So consider hardwood floors or a low pile carpet if you absolutely must have carpet in your house.

When you bathe or shower, be sure to avoid extremes. Water that is too hot or too cold will irritate your skin. Hot water tends to leach all the moisture out of skin and may make your symptoms worse. Set the heat of your water at a comfortable, soothing level to avoid drying out your skin.

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.

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.

No doubt extreme weather in both directions and consistent fluctuation between the two can cause you to have eczema flareups. However, while you can’t do a thing about the conditions outside, you certainly can make sure you do what is necessary within your home. During those hot days, keep you air conditioning system going so that your skin stays moist, and an cool mist humidifier is perfect for the winter months.

Avoid tight clothing. Clothing that’s tight can make skin irritated because it’s getting rubbed and damaged. This will lead to the development of eczema. So choose clothing that isn’t constricting. This also helps to eliminate sweaty areas that can cause an eczema flareup.

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.

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.

As you can see, there are many things that you can do to help you in your battle with eczema. Many of them are simple things, while others require changing some of your habits and environment. But making these changes can help keep your eczema under control and you will find that your breakouts may occur less frequently and be less severe.