Eczema Relief – Seven Tips on Caring For Your Skin

There are so many conflicting ideas when it comes to getting eczema relief that you can easily get overwhelmed with all the information out there. So here are seven tips on relieving your dry, red and itchy skin.

1. Follow your doctor's guidance carefully when using topical steroids.

Topical steroids are the most common medications used in treating eczema. Steroid creams come in various strengths and formulas. Especially with the higher strengths, you need to take care in how long you use the creams for. If they are overused, they can lead to thinning of the skin. This leads to skin which is more fragile and more likely to break. On the other hand, if you stop using them too soon, the eczema will recur.

2. You should use a moisturizing cream every day.

Eczema sufferers need to make a regular habit of using moisturizers and especially after bathing. A moisturizer help the skin to stay hydrated and to prevent dry skin. I recommend you choose a cream that's easy to spread. If it's difficult to spread the regular task will become irksome. If you are applying a cream to a fidgety child, the quicker you can do the task the better! Refer to my article on choosing the best eczema cream. You want to avoid harsh chemicals and perfumes.

3. Bathing advice for eczema sufferers.

If you add bath oil to the water and make sure the water is not too hot, a daily bath can be of great help in helping to keep the skin hydrated. At all costs avoid using bubble bath which tends to dry the skin out. Instead choose a bath oil that is free from harsh chemicals and perfumes. Dead sea salts are also recommended for relieving irritation and itching in the skin. After bathing, pat the skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing which could easily irritate the skin. Leave the skin slightly moist which will make it easier to then apply moisturizing cream.

4. Avoid scratching the skin when itching.

I know that this advice is very difficult to follow but it's essential to avoid breaking the skin and increasing the risk of infection. Always keep your fingernails short so that if you're tempted to scratch you will do the least damage. If a baby has eczema, a sleep suit with attached mittens is one way to prevent baby scratching. If you follow the other six tips, they will help to keep itching to a minimum and, therefore, avoid the temptation to scratch.

5. Choose the right clothing.

Sweating and becoming overheated can aggravate the skin so that it becomes more itchy. Because of this, you should avoid any tight-fitting clothing or heavy clothing. Choose soft and breathable fabrics if possible such as 100% cotton. Fabrics like silk, soft acrylic and viyella seem to work well for some people. Wool, polyester and nylon tend to cause itching and are best avoided.

6. Choose laundry products carefully.

Avoid biological laundry products and any products with enzymes since they're likely to cause itching. Avoid fragrance since it may cause a reaction in the skin. Avoid laundry powders since they contain bleach which is an irritant. I recommend you choose a non-biological, environmentally friendly product and that you check the ingredients to make sure it contains no enzymes or perfumes.

7. Skin care is a life-long habit.

Even when your skin appears to be completely healed, it's vital that you continue with the advice since your skin can easily become irritated again. Continue to moisturize daily, to use bath oil and to avoid anything which could irritate your skin such as tight clothing.

The best eczema relief is attained by caring for your skin. Follow my seven tips on caring for your skin and get relief from your eczema.