Living with eczema can be a challenge. It is unpredictable because you never know when or where it can pop up next. So being ready to deal with it at any time is important. But just because you don't currently have a flare-up, doesn't mean that you should let down your guard. Here are some ways to treat it and to lessen the chance of new flare-ups.
Understand what makes your eczema act up. It could be that there is a certain type of soap that gets you every time, for example. In most cases, you do not want to use anything that has a scent attached to it. That means it may be necessary to avoid perfume, some body lotions and even certain types of make-up.
Scratching is a big no-no. There is no doubt that eczema makes you feel uncomfortable. The more you actually scratch, however, will cause you to want to scratch that much more. This can also damage your skin, and it may even trigger infection. Constant use of moisturizer and cold compresses will help when your symptoms flair up.
Know what your triggers are so you can avoid them. Your triggers may laundry detergent, soaps, and dust. You should probably steer clear of any products that contain fragrances, chemicals or other unnatural additives. Choose pure and unscented products instead. This will help to reduce the discomfort of daily eczema flare-ups.
Do not scratch your eczema. It is hard to resist because eczema is an itchy skin condition, but scratching makes it worse. You can increase the itching, damage your skin, and increase your risk of getting an infection. Try keeping the skin moisturized, bathing regularly, and using cold compresses to alleviate itching.
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.
Take a warm bath to relieve eczema-related itching. The water shouldn't be exceptionally cold or hot. Try sprinkling baking soda or colloidal oatmeal in your bath to help soothe your skin. Another option is to add a half cup of bleach to your standard 40-gallon bath as this is thought to help eliminate bacteria on your skin.
Try to avoid taking hot baths and showers. The extreme temperatures of the water can actually cause eczema flare-ups. The humidity and steam can also dry your skin out, which can make eczema uncomfortable. Try using water that is room temperature any time you shower or take a bath.
Pay attention to what you wear. Certain materials can trigger eczema. It is best to wear cotton or cotton blends. Fabrics beyond that can be irritants to your skin. Also, your laundering practices need special attention. Use gentle laundry detergents, and stay away from fabric softeners.
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.
Because eczema can be caused or aggravated by certain materials, choose your clothing with care. Clothes made of wool or synthetic materials may inflame your skin. Choose clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton. This is less likely to irritate your skin, and natural fibers allow your skin to breathe, making it less likely that you become overheated. Since heat and sweating can also aggravate eczema, choosing the right fabrics for your clothes is doubly important.
Use gloves. You have to keep your hands protected. When you do the dishes you should wear gloves made of rubber so your skin doesn't get irritated. Wear cotton gloves when doing housework and cotton or leather gloves when you are going out into the cold. Wool will irritate so avoid these if you can. You will find your skin does not like wool at all.
Moisturize your skin immediately after taking a bath. Applying lotion to your skin soon after your bath helps to lock in the moisture and prevents your skin from drying too much. For the best results, use a intensive moisturizer that does not have added perfumes or dyes, which can dry your skin more.
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.
If you suffer from eczema, take a bleach bath! This may sound like a ridiculous idea, but this can help prevent major problems. Having eczema increases your chances of developing a bacterial infection and bleach can kill this bacteria. To use this remedy, simply add a half cup of bleach to your bath twice a week in lukewarm water. Sit in it for about five minutes and then shower as usual.
Always wash your bedding, blankets and pillows on a regular basis. Don't wait until they seem dirty. Do it at least once a week to keep you bed as free from allergens and irritants as possible. Use a gentle detergent and softener that doesn't contain harsh chemicals or fragrances which can cause irritation to sensitive people.
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.
As you may already know, eczema is something that has to be lived with. There is no definitive cure. It can only be treated by making changes in your life and dealing with it. So keep the tips from above in mind and make the changes that can help you control your eczema.
Orignal From: Great Eczema Advice That Anyone Can Use
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