5 Ways to Live with Eczema

5 Ways to Live with Eczema

1.Ice pack or something cold– Frozen peas are also sufficient. If the itch becomes extremely inflamed and it is virtually impossible not to scratch, this will provide immediate, temporary relief. You definitely want to avoid scratching as this will irritate the skin even more. If you crave scratching, DO NOT do it with your fingernails, as your nails contain bacteria that can cause more than just prolonged inflammation.

2.Avoid irritants– That’s not always easy. It can be nearly impossible to avoid common irritants like sweat, sunlight, grass, and polyester when your primary hobby or job is playing baseball. If possible, opt for a more breathable uniform, apply a good sunscreen, and avoid rolling around in the grass as it will come back to haunt you later. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about the sweat. If possible, wipe away sweat with a 100% cotton towel. You'll be surprised at how much your skin improves just by avoiding the things that irritate it.

3.moisturizingThis applies to anyone with dry skin, howeverin particularPeople with eczema. Anot scentedMoisturizer should be in the bathroom of every person with eczema. Using lotion right after bathing is key to locking in moisture. Since eczema means not only extremely dry skin but also hypersensitivity of the skin, using a perfume-free lotion is crucial as the scents in the lotion can irritate the skin.

4.Watch your water– Sometimes nothing feels better than slipping into a nice hot bath after a long, tiring day. But be warned, hot water can make eczema worse. The boiling water causes increased itching and inflammation. Another important water issue to pay special attention to is chlorine. Chlorine really dries out skin and plays a major role not only in your local pools and hot tubs, but also in tap water, and yes, the water you shower with. One solution to this is to purchase a relatively inexpensive water filter that slips onto your faucets and showerheads. Under no circumstances should you stop bathing.

5.In extreme cases: Steroids, creams and tanning beds– probably all the things you expected NOT to read in an article like this. However, if your eczema continues to get worse even after trying natural remedies and preventions, some dermatologists may prescribe a cream that can help significantly. Usually creams get the job done in just a few days, but sometimes you need something stronger. In this case, the dermatologist may prescribe a mild steroid. A steroid is obviously not something you can continue to use, but rather it is something that will make your skin look the best it ever has in a short period of time. It's a quick fix for an extreme flare-up. Now tanning beds are more for cosmetic purposes. With moderate use, tanning beds can even out skin, and if you have frequent sunspots, this works great. However, use at your own risk as tanning beds still emit potentially dangerous rays and make you more susceptible to skin cancer.

Inspired by Shelby A Watson