Millions of people around the globe have found they have something in common: eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that leaves people with irritated skin. So many people wonder if anything can be done to combat it, and the good news is that there are solutions. Continue reading the following article to learn more about taking control of your skin.

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.

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.

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.

Look for PABA-free sunscreen. This is an ingredient that has a reputation of making eczema worse. Always thoroughly check the ingredients label thoroughly, even if it claims to be PABA-free. If you can’t find a PABA-free sunscreen that you like, then speak to your doctor about the options you have available.

You don’t want to put on clothing that can be irritating to your skin. Some fabrics, especially synthetic ones, can trigger flare-ups. If you are an eczema sufferer, cotton should be your first choice. You should also wash any new clothing before wearing it. Make sure your detergent is unscented and mild, however.

One effective skin care regimen which will reduce flare-ups and improve response to medication and treatment is proper application of moisturizers. Moisturizers trap moisture in the skin, so applying moisturizers no later than 3 minutes after bathing is highly effective. Of course, it is still important to continue to apply a moisturizer to very dry patches of skin throughout the day.

Watch your body and figure out what triggers your eczema. Perhaps a perfume is to blame, or maybe your skin is reacting to your detergent. Stress and sweat are two other factors that should be considered as possible triggers. Once you know what can set off your eczema, try to avoid those items or situations.

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.

Stay mindful of the clothing you choose. Garments close to the skin can actually produce eczema flares. It is best to wear cotton or cotton blends. Other fabrics can irritate your skin. It is also important to alter how you wash your clothes. To do this, do not utilize fabric softener or intense laundry detergent.

The clothing you wear can affect whether or not you have eczema flare-ups. Those with eczema should wear clothing made of cotton or cotton blend. On the other hand, clothing made of synthetic fibers and wools ought to be avoided, as they can irritate your skin. Also, wash any clothing your purchase before wearing it.

It is important to avoid too much stress if you suffer from eczema. Of course, having the skin condition can cause stress, as can life itself. But, a lot of stress increases flare-ups. If you find yourself getting stressed out, learn how to relax yourself. Yoga and meditation are two great ideas.

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.

When taking a bath, don’t use excessively hot water. It will dry out your skin which will aggravate your eczema. Use warm water, a gentle soap and a soft rag to clean any patches of eczema that you have. If you really want to use a loofah or a scrubbie then only use it on unaffected areas and rinse, clean and dry the loofah or scrubbie afterwards.

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 suffer from eczema, you need to take extra precautions in the way you dress. Wear 100 percent cotton clothing whenever possible. Synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin. It is also important to dress in loose clothing. This allows your skin to breathe and prevents irritation from clothing rubbing against your skin.

As you can see from the information provided here, there are a number of things you can do when it comes to eczema. Many people suffer from eczema silently, but there is no reason that you need to live that way. Use the tips provided here to get the peace of mind and great skin that you want.