People with skin conditions often tell others that self-image and confidence is affected. Is this you? If so, take full advantage of the following information intended to help with eczema.
If you have eczema, hot showers are a bad idea. Each shower should be quick and the water lukewarm. Use a body wash instead of soap and avoid rubbing your skin too hard. When your skin is clean, pat it dry.
Moisturizers that are ointments or creams are the best way for you to fight eczema. This type of moisturizer is usually more effective than lotions. You may even just want to use petroleum jelly as a moisturizer. Whatever you use, make it free of fragrance and alcohol. Moisturize at least twice a day.
Avoid scratching your itchy skin. Eczema can cause a great deal of discomfort. Scratching only wants to make you scratch even more. This can also damage your skin, and it may even trigger infection. You should be consistently moisturizing your skin throughout the day, and the use of a cold compress can help you to alleviate symptoms as well.
If you have eczema, avoid stress. Eczema can be affected by stress. Use meditation, deep breathing, or exercise to feel better. It may just be that you can greatly reduce the effects of your eczema flares.
When you pick a sunscreen, try finding one that is PABA-free. This ingredient can cause issues for people that have eczema. Even if your sunscreen is completely PABA-free, you should still read through the ingredients. You can also talk to a doctor about some prescription sunscreen if you have problems finding one.
Moisturize whenever you can. Moisturizing lotions can be quite helpful when treating eczema. Moisturize your skin after you are done showering. Use moisturizers that have no scent or additives. These can cause irritation on your skin. Creams and lotions with a thick texture work best.
Wear clothing that isn’t irritating to the eczema condition. Some fabrics, especially synthetic ones, can trigger flare-ups. If you suffer from eczema, it is best to wear clothes made of cotton. Also, wash all new clothes before you ever wear them. Use a mild, unscented detergent that doesn’t contain fabric softener.
Make sure your home is always at a comfortable temperature. Varying temperatures outside normal ranges can actually cause your eczema symptoms to worsen. When it’s hot out, use the air conditioner and run a humidifier when the temperature is low. The humidifier is a great prevention technique concerning dry skin.
Keep your nails tidy and trimmed. Everyone knows they should not scratch their eczema; however, you may do it in your sleep. This can worsen the rash, and long nails make the situation worse. Make sure your nails are as clean as possible, too.
A warm bath can give you relief from eczema. The water shouldn’t be freezing or hot. Sprinkling oatmeal and/or baking soda in your bath water can help you find relief. One other option is adding 4 ounces of bleach to an average 40-gallon bathtub of water to eliminate any bacteria that may be on your skin.
Know what you should be wearing when you have eczema. Certain types of clothing can become a trigger for eczema. Use clothes that have cotton or cotton blends. Other types of fabric have the potential of causing irritation to your skin. Also, pay attention to the way in which you launder your clothing. Do not use a laundry detergent that is irritating.
Don’t take too many hot showers. Hot showers might feel wonderful, but they can actually irritate your skin. If eczema bothers you, limit your hot showers. Instead, set the water at room temperature. Use a gentle cleanser and then apply moisturizer.
Find out the cause of your eczema. In some individuals, dust mites can trigger a flare-up. Could it be the fragrance in your hygiene products? No matter what you might find is a trigger, it is important to know and avoid them. This may mean you have to change your habits, but it is worth it if it means you don’t have to deal with eczema.
The underlying cause of eczema is still unknown, and a cure has been elusive, but there are treatments that help. Dishpan hands are basically eczema on the hands that can make skin dry and cracked. You need to wear some rubber gloves if you are washing dishes. If you have a latex sensitivity, you can wear cotton gloves under the others. When you are finished washing the dishes, gently dry your hands before applying moisturizer.
Consider installing a humidifier in your home to help manage your eczema. The temperature in winter is notorious for drying out the skin. Humidifiers will make the air more moisturized which makes it harder for eczema to develop.
Eczema sufferers can benefit from cutting their nails regularly. It is only natural to want to scratch your itchy eczema. If you do so with unclean, long nails, you may get an infection. Cutting your nails and keeping them tidy will prevent any issues.
Use a soap that is fragrance-free and mild. This will reduce the irritants that touch your skin. A hypoallergenic soap is your best bet when bathing.
Now you can fight eczema once and for all. If one solution fails, seek others. Something will work. Apply the information you have learned here to improve your skin and be comfortable again.
