The reddened, itchy skin of eczema can be very uncomfortable, especially for babies and small children who do not understand what is going on. Even adults can suffer from eczema, though it less common as you get older. For more information on this skin condition, keep reading the following article.
Keep the temperature constant in your house. That means you will have to use your air conditioning system at different points throughout the year. If the temperature fluctuates too much, that can be a trigger for your eczema. During the winter, it may be best to get a cool mist humidifier as well, so that your skin does not dry out.
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.
When buying a detergent, look for something that is not scented. If you are having trouble finding one that works for you, look for products labeled “free and clear” and see if they work. In addition, it may be best not to use a fabric softener at all. This product can cause an issue for people with eczema, so it is usually not worth the risk.
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.
You should always use sunscreen. This is even more important when you have eczema. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 so you don’t get a sunburn. Having a sunburn can make your skin even itchier than usual. You could use sunscreens specifically formulated for the face on the entire body. These are generally more gentle to use.
Those who have eczema should not use a washcloth or body sponge when they are taking a bath or a shower. If you wash your body with such rough-surfaced items, the friction will irritate your skin. Skin irritation can lead to a flare-up of your eczema. To clean your body, simply use your hands to lather up.
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.
Now that you have finished reading this article, you should be much better informed about eczema. It can be a very unpleasant condition, so you need to find a way to treat it and prevent it from flaring up again. The tips that you have read here should point you in the right direction.