Your eczema may leave you feeling itchy or even self-conscious about your skin. Eczema can affect children as young as infants, and can stay with them into adulthood. If you think you or your child may have eczema, be sure to visit your dermatologist for a diagnosis. Read on for tips to help you care for your eczema.
1. Don't Scratch It
Scratching your eczema is only going to make it red and irritated, which will also make it more noticeable. Don't scratch your eczema at all. If you are feeling itchy in the areas prone to eczema, rub some eczema lotion on it instead to help soothe the area.
2. Use an Eczema Lotion
Regular lotions or creams aren't going to help with eczema, so be sure to use lotions or creams that are made for eczema. These types of lotions and creams are usually thicker and contain oils to help prevent moisture from escaping. They also help prevent toxins and things that can irritate the skin. Eczema lotions should also be fragrance-free and dye-free to prevent irritation. Petroleum jelly can also be used to protect the skin and prevent irritation, while holding in moisture.
3. Shower in Warm Water
Warm water, in comparison to hot water, is less likely to irritate your skin and cause your eczema to flare up. Shower in luke-warm water instead to prevent this from occurring. Also use soaps that won't dry out your skin and try to keep showers or baths short to prevent drying out the skin. Apply your eczema lotion immediately after showering to prevent your skin from drying out as well.
4. Keep Covered When Outside
Your skin is going to be somewhat sensitive to the outside elements, which could result in an eczema flare-up. Prevent this by keeping the skin covered with clothing when possible. Allergens such as pollen or dander may cause this type of flare-up, so cover up in months when allergens are higher. Also be sure to use sun protection when out in the sun to prevent a flare-up from too much sun exposure.
5. Moisturize before Bed
If your hands and feet a prone to flare-up, use an eczema moisturizer on your hands and feet before bedtime and wear socks and gloves to sleep. This will help hold in the moisture in these areas all through the night and prevent your skin from cracking or drying out at night.
Your skin needs care, especially if you have eczema. Follow the tips above and talk to a dermatologist, such as Heibel Dermatology, about other tips to help with your eczema.
Share9 October 2018
My name is Katie Langer. For a long time, I was bed ridden and I felt like I had no control over my life. I simply went along with what was instructed by my doctor and I didn't ask questions. It wasn't that my doctor wasn't willing to work with me, but I preferred to simply not think about the illness I was suffering from. I didn't realize that some of the symptoms I was suffering from were side effects of my medication and were not normal. After communicating more with my doctor, I was able to alleviate my symptoms. Since then, I've taken an interest in patient-doctor relationships and how to improve them.
