There are many different ways of treating eczema but there are also some general rules that apply to everyone with eczema. Following these tips will help to prevent your eczema flaring up and hopefully give you some relief.
- Avoid triggers and substances that stress the skin. Besides individual triggers that you most probably have identified, some things to avoid include household cleaners, detergents and harsh soaps.
- Hot water is a NO NO. Take short, warm showers and baths and wear gloves if your hands will be in water for long periods of time.
- Wear light, loose fitting clothes made from natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe. Cotton clothes are your best bet.
- Be dedicated to your skin care. Keep it clean, moisturised and avoid products that dry out and irritate the skin.
- Do your research, and find a topical treatment (cream applied to the skin) that works best for you. Unfortunately it is an arduous process of trial and error, but there are a lot of good products out there that might help soothe the skin.
- Try not to scratch the itch. Easier said than done I know, but scratching the skin can make it more difficult to heal because you break the skin, causing infection to set in.