What You Need To Know About Eczema
What You Need To Know About Eczema
If your skin is red, irritated, inflamed, or scaly-looking, you may be suffering from the skin condition known as eczema. No one is quite sure what causes this condition, but it afflicts children and adults around the world. This article will share some useful advice about the treatment and prevention of this condition.
As you may already know, when you have a flare-up with your eczema, the itching associated with it is almost unbearable. You want to scratch the affected skin, but you know that if you do it will only make the situation worse. A cold compress can curb your desire to scratch. The compress provides some relief because it reduces inflammation of the affected skin cells.
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.
Maintain a comfortable temperature in your house when you suffer from eczema. Extreme temps are irritating and can trigger outbreaks. Don't be afraid to turn on the air conditioning unit in the summer and plug in a humidifier in the winter. The humidifier will work to keep your skin moist.
Keep your hands protected. Wear rubber gloves while washing dishes or performing another activity in which your hands are submersed in water. For further protection, wear cotton gloves underneath the rubber ones to reduce sweat and irritation. Use the cotton gloves while performing other activities, such as gardening and housework.
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.
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.
Sweeping can cause issues with dust, and dust is not good for eczema. Vacuuming will keep the house clean while helping you to avoid flare-ups. While you have the cleaner out, head up to the bedrooms and vacuum the mattresses as well. This will help ensure that your room stays as dust-free as possible.
Whether you, or someone that you know, is suffering from eczema, the advice you have read here will be very useful to you. You do not have to just passively accept your condition. Take action and use the tips that you have read here to control your eczema and prevent it from recurring.