Eczema is a relatively rare skin condition that involves a significant amount of itching and irritation. It is most common among babies and small children, but for some people, it lasts their entire life. The itching can sometimes be very hard to deal with. Keep reading for some tips on minimizing this condition.
Manage your stress. If you are upset, your eczema may flare up, which will only exacerbate an already frustrating situation. Learn how to deal with stress and keep yourself from getting too wound up. For example, deep breathing is one thing you can do just about anywhere to help keep your stress levels down.
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.
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.
Keep your hands protected. These eczema-prone areas are exposed to water and irritating substances like cleaning products. Too much moisture or sweat can trigger symptoms. When you need to submerge them in water, try using rubber gloves. Wearing cotton gloves can also keep hands protected when doing work around the house. Try wearing cotton or leather gloves when doing outside work.
For those that have eczema, skin care must be modified in the cold, dry winter months. During these months, you should use an oil-based moisturizer. The oil in these moisturizers promote moisture retention. The best form of moisturizer to use in these circumstances is an ointment due to the amount of oil it contains. Since ointments are 80% oil, it protects the skin more effectively than either lotions or creams.
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.
Now that you have read this article, you should have a better idea of how to deal with your eczema. If you do not take the proper precautions, your eczema can flare up at any time, leaving you feeling miserable. With the right treatments, however, you can easily keep it controlled.