How To Win Your Battle With Eczema
How To Win Your Battle With Eczema
Eczema is one of the millions of skin conditions that affect the human population. The itching is bad enough, but then you have to deal with the embarrassment and the stress of it. If you are dealing with eczema it is important that you find comfort right away. Read on and you'll get great advice to help you with this sort of thing.
If you are getting ready to put something on your skin to moisturize it, like an ointment or a lotion, make sure you get your skin damp first. That will help the moisturizer do its job. It may be best to apply the product within a few minutes of getting out the shower or the bath. Simply pat yourself dry, so that you are not dripping wet, and then put the product on.
Some researchers have linked eczema to a Vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, a little bit of sunlight may help your condition. Do not go overboard, however. Spend about ten minutes in the sun each day. If you are going to be out longer than that, apply sunscreen and go about your business.
There are several medications you can try to help relieve the itching of eczema. Topical treatments including calamine lotion, which helps soothe the itching. Another topical option is an over-the-counter cream that contains one percent hydrocortisone. For severe itching, consider an oral over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Follow the instructions on the package, and remember that antihistamines may cause drowsiness.
Use moisturizer often. Moisturizers can control eczema. The right time to use moisturizers is immediately after showers and baths. Make sure the moisturizer you use contains no fragrance, chemicals, or unnatural additives. Those ingredients could cause the skin to become irritated. Cream or ointment is the best choice.
Moisturize immediately following bathing. This is the best time to do it because your skin is still damp. Make sure to only pat dry your skin between showering and moisturizing. You don't want to remove any moisture that your skin has already absorbed; that is counterproductive to treating your eczema.
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.
Never scratch at itchy skin. Eczema can be quite itchy and unpleasant. It is important that you avoid the temptation to scratch. Scratching can cause your skin to only itch more. Worse, it could lead to infection. Find other ways to manage your itching. Try using medications or cold compresses.
Although eczema presently can't be cured, there are various strategies that be used to manage it. If you have eczema on your hands, always cover them with plastic or vinyl gloves when doing water-related chores, such as washing dishes. If you hands tend to sweat while wearing these gloves, wear cotton gloves under them to soak up the sweat.
Anyone can face eczema problems; however, it is more prevalent in children. It is vital to give children relief as soon as possible. Put all of these tips to use as soon as you have the opportunity.