7 Secrets for Fighting Eczema - By: Penny Bellati

What is eczema? Eczema is basically a type of skin inflammation otherwise known as dermatitis. The universal form of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis. Atopy is very common and can affect any age or race. Although it is not infectious, eczema can be passed down as a family condition. These 7 guidelines serve as ways for you to avoid an outbreak. Your skin will ultimately thank you for trying them.

Steer clear of products that can cause an outbreak. Coming into contact with household solvents like cleaners, detergents, soap, turpentine, gasoline, and lotion can give you a rash. Your best chance is to avoid these products. As difficult as it may seem, you have to be careful using soap as it is known to contribute to irritation. But if you must wash your hands, use unscented soap. Be sure to dry them properly after.

Just glove it. One of the common areas where eczema occurs is on your hands. You can protect them by wearing plastic gloves. It is important to shield your hands when working around water as wetness can also create irritation. For those of you with sweaty palms, you know that sweat can also cause rashes even when you are wearing gloves. You can absorb that sweat by wearing cotton gloves under the plastic ones. Gloves can also help you in the winter where cold air dries your skin.

If you must bathe, use little soap and be sure it is unscented. Keep the water temperature cool or warm as hot water will result in itching. You can take a short time to soak in the tub as the skin absorbs water and becomes less dry. To dry yourself, pat with a soft towel but do not rub. Lastly, apply a moisturizer to prevent your skin from over-drying.

Consult a doctor if you cannot control the inflammation yourself. Usually you are prescribed medication like a steroid cream that you can apply to your skin. If your eczema is due to an allergy, antihistamines and other allergy medicine work best. Be sure to follow the directions to the latter in order for it take effect. And if medication still does not work, check with your dermatologist for an alternative solution.

If you want to keep your skin from itching and scaling, you need moisturizers. Moisturizers trap the water in your skin. This, in turn, prevents cracks and keeps skin looking supple. Stay away from creamy moisturizers that have extra ingredients that can cause irritation. It is better to use a greasy moisturizer like petroleum jelly because it does not contain preservatives. Regular use can prevent dryness which is common during winter.

Has your mother ever told you scratching a rash will make it worse? She was right. Scratching and rubbing break skin. Bacteria use these breaks to enter and cause infections. Moisturizing your skin regularly prevents itchiness which keeps you from scratching.

Heat and humidity naturally dry skin but can also cause sweating. Sweat, like wetness, leads to irritated skin. It is best to avoid activities that can make you sweaty. In the event you do sweat, be careful to wipe it off as rubbing can also lead to a rash.

About the Author

Penny Bellati is a full time product reviewer. There has been demand for quality facts on eczema treatment. So, Penny has reviewed the eczema treatment market. Take a look at her most recent article on beat eczema.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Penny-Bellati/133146

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