If you are one of the millions of people that have to put up with eczema then you will know just how painful and irritating it is. Not only that, but it also makes you feel very self-conscious as when you have a flare up it can be very noticeable indeed. There are ways to keep eczema at bay though, and in this article we will look at some of the top tips for both preventing flare ups and managing them. Read on to find out more about eczema and get some top tips on treating this affliction:
Moisturizer Is Essential
When you are prone to eczema, it’s absolutely vital that you keep your skin moisturized to prevent it from drying out. When the skin is dry it is much more likely to flare up with eczema. Moisturizing will also help the area not get too itchy and it’ll take some of the redness out of the problem area. Choose a moisturizer that is mild and not packed full of lots of nasty chemicals, and make sure it is fragrance-free too. Always moisturize after you get out of the shower, and if you are going to have a bath then moisturize first with a mild aqueous cream or Vaseline – this will help your skin from drying out from over-exposure to the water. Don’t rub your skin with a towel – instead, pat it dry gently.
Pain Relief
If your eczema is really playing up then you will need to know how to take some of the pain and itchiness away. Cold compresses can be really effective – or if you don’t have one then a bag of peas will do just the same job – just press it against your skin. You could also try using a flannel face cloth soaked in cold water. Anything cold will really help to reduce the discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe some hydrocortisone cream, gel or spray which is a mild steroid that will take away some of the itching.
Other Tips
If you suffer from regular outbreaks of eczema it’s really important that you don’t scratch it (as tempting as it might be!). If you scratch that itch you will just aggravate the area and make it more painful. It will also leave the area more open to infection, so keep your fingernails short so that you are less tempted to scratch. Cover the area up with a light bandage or some gauze when you are asleep – that will help you leave it alone in the middle of the night.
Speak To a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is an expert in treating all sorts of skin conditions, and he or she will be able to look at your skin type and determine what the best sort of treatment is. They will be able to recommend products and also tell you more about how to care for your skin. Find a local one and go along for a consultation – you’ll learn a lot.
Eczema is a pain, without a doubt, but if you learn how to manage it you will find that it is a lot easier to live with.
[box_light]Ian Well, the author of this post, works at Clarkston Dermatology, a dermatological clinic in Michigan. Through his blog he advises people on various topics related to cosmetics and skincare.[/box_light]
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