Managing Eczema

The more eczema is scratched, the worse it gets. Repeated scratching makes the skin leathery and tough. It also can lead to an infection, so it's obviously important to stop scratching. Easier said than done! That's why prevention is important. A few simple things can help reduce eczema outbreaks.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! This is key. Creams and ointments don't add moisture to the skin. They work by trapping water on the skin, which helps reduce dryness and itchiness. That's why the best method to keep eczema under control is to apply creams and ointments within three minutes after bathing, while the skin is still damp. This traps the moisture against the skin.

When bathing or showering:

• Keep it short and use warm, not hot, water.
• Skip the washcloth or body sponge since they aggravate the eczema.
• Gently pat, don't rub, the skin dry with a towel.
• Generously apply a thick, oily moisturizer, cream or ointment.

Although it's most important to apply moisturizers right after bathing, it helps to reapply several other times during the day, too.

If that's not providing enough relief, a special cream called a barrier repair moisturizer might help. Some are available without a prescription. In addition to keeping the skin moist, barrier repair moisturizers help heal the skin and stop burning and itching. The active ingredient in most barrier repair moisturizers is called ceramide, a type of lipid (fat) that occurs naturally in the skin and helps it form a protective barrier.

Avoid Triggers and Other Factors. Certain things trigger or worsen eczema. Avoid:

• Sweating or overheating.
• Wool and other scratchy fabric or material. Pure cotton is best for clothing.
• Harsh soaps and detergents. Use only "fragrance-free" cleanser, laundry detergent and other products.
• Things that can trigger allergies, such as pollen, mold and animal dander.
• Sudden changes in temperature or humidity. When it gets very cold and dry or very hot and humid, an eczema outbreak is more likely.
• Scratching with long fingernails. Keep fingernails short, so the skin isn't broken when it's scratched, which can damage it and lead to infection.
• Stress. Although it doesn't cause eczema, stress can aggravate it. Having eczema itself can be stressful, which in turn can make the condition worse.

For more detailed information about eczema, including controlling potential allergens in the home, visit EczemaNet.

 

Next: Treating Eczema