What You Should Know About Skin Care When You Have Eczema
What You Should Know About Skin Care When You Have Eczema
Eczema appears as many different types of skin conditions, and you want to know more about how you can deal with it. You're about to find out some information concerning eczema and the treatment involved as well as prevention methods and general knowledge about the condition itself. Read on so that you can know what to expect.
When you have eczema, you should take caution to clean the skin gently. Once you have washed your skin, and it is still moist, apply a good moisturizer to the skin within three minutes to ensure the moisture is sealed into the skin. You may even want to soak in a nice oatmeal bath as well before you moisturize.
Common treatments for eczema include topical creams and ointments that contain cortisone. You could try hydrocortisone that can be purchased at your local drug store. If this doesn't soothe your eczema, you should talk with your doctor about possibly getting a stronger prescription from him. These will work like other steroid creams, but will be able to be used for a longer time.
Pay attention to your hands. Because you wash them throughout the day, they can get very dry and are prone to more eczema. If you are engaged in an activity that involves water, like washing the dishes, wear rubber gloves. This will help protect your skin from the water throughout the day.
Lotions and creams do not usually work as well as ointments. Ointments have a bit more oil in them, which generally helps them moisturize more effectively. They are a little harder to apply than creams, however, but they are much better at adding a protective layer to the skin and easing your symptoms.
When you are seeking a sunscreen, choose one that does not contain PABA. Eczema sufferers will find this ingredient can cause flare ups. Pay close attention to the ingredient list, even if it says PABA-free. You can also go the route of talking to your doctor about prescribed sunscreen.
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.
Avoid stress. Stress can increase the intensity of eczema flare-ups. While it is true that eczema itself can stress you out, try not to let it. Practice relaxation methods like yoga, medication, and deep breathing exercises. Staying calm is your best defense when it comes to successfully battling your eczema.
Experiment with suntan lotions to find one that works for you. Certain sunscreens may exacerbate your eczema while others will not. However, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. Keep trying them until you find one you can live with. However, be sure to just test them on a small patch of skin first.
If you have eczema, then you're of course going to want to do everything you can to manage the condition properly. No doubt it can feel embarrassing at times, but you don't have to just live with it. Instead, you can focus on taking control using the information obtained from this article.