Eczema is a painful and irritating skin condition that results in itchy skin, painful blisters, and general ongoing discomfort. Almost 32 percent of Americans experience eczema at some point in their lives, and providing proactive treatment is essential to restoring skin to its natural state of health.
The facts on eczema
Eczema is an autoimmune response that affects the skin. Facts about eczema include:
- It can be triggered by certain food and drink
- Varies from person to person, and can worsen with age
- Can also be triggered by environmental factors like smoke and pollen
- Needs to be maintained, or symptoms can spiral out of control
- Is not contagious
Symptoms of eczema
Eczema rash may be as mild as dry, white skin, or it can include painful, swollen blisters that break open and bleed. If not cared for properly, eczema can interfere with your quality of life, making it difficult to find comfortable clothing and care for your skin properly.
How do I deal with my eczema?
Proactive skin management is key to preventing more severe symptoms from forming. Follow these tips for skincare health and success:
1. Check knees and elbows before anything else
An eczema outbreak is more likely to start around the knees and elbows. Rub these areas down first, and apply lotion liberally to ensure that skin stays moisturized. Finding a quality eczema cream to use as needed is one of your best defenses against outbreaks.
2. Take short lukewarm showers
Hot water has a drying effect on the skin; while it may be tempting to indulge in a 20-minute hot steam session, resist the urge and go for a shorter shower instead. After hopping out, towel off and immediately apply eczema-specific lotion to lock in a bit of extra moisture. Your skin will thank you.
3. Use hypoallergenic soap
In a world of scented soaps, lotions, and shampoos, it can be tempting to go for your favorite olfactory preference rather than looking for something that is gentle to the skin. Hypoallergenic soaps clean the skin without drying it, and there are no additional chemical irritants that will cause eczema flare-ups. Consider soap-free baths or showers from time to time, and give your skin a break from the additional stimulation that can lead to breakouts.
4. Buy some tub moisturizer
Lotions that come in pump form are usually watered down; buying a thick moisturizing lotion that comes in a tub will have long-lasting, moisturizing results. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, oatmeal, and other natural ingredients that soothe skin, and you’ll be feeling more comfortable with every application.
5. Consider your food choices
Sometimes, environmental and food triggers can cause eczema flare-ups. Keeping a food journal or documenting incidents of breakouts can help trace the problem to its roots. While eczema is not necessarily curable, with the right combination of management and keeping triggers to a minimum, one can live virtually symptom-free. In fact, you might even be able to drink your way to healthier skin (non-alcoholic of course.)
Eczema is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it does not have to be life-altering. Finding some high-quality products to use on your skin and committing to ongoing care will ensure that you keep your skin in tip-top shape and maximum comfort.
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