Imported User:
The term eczemarefers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red, irritated and occasionally results in small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze. Eczema is non infectious and can be both chronic and intermittent.
Eczema is known to affect both children and adults, but the good news is that there are steps that can be taken to prevent future outbreak of eczema. Such step includes making simple modifications to your lifestyle to help control the eczema. One of such steps is always keeping your skin moisturised.
Keeping the skin hydrated is the biggest key to preventing outbreaks of eczema. Endeavour to apply a thick lotion to your skin several times a day. Using moisturising body wash in addition to lotion also helps the skin maintain moisture and prevent eczema.
Another important factor is bathing. A long soak in a steaming hot bath is a great way to relax and unwind, but unfortunately is also one of the causes of itching if you have eczema. Bathing, especially bathing in hot water, dehydrates your skin. Natural oils that moisturise the skin are lost when bathing. Vigorously rubbing with a towel further reduces your skin's levels of natural moisturisers.
Lukewarm showers are better than long hot baths for your skin. Use lukewarm water and bathe for about 10 minutes only. When you want to dry your body after shower, pat yourself dry; rubbing can do as much damage to your skin as scratching. Once dry, moisturise with a gentle cream, ointment, or lotion.
Tip: Avoid over washing the skin
Other Preventive Measures Includes
Clothing
Always dress for the weather. Avoid wearing thick clothes during hot season. Dressing in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is preferable. Cotton fabric is ideal. Other fabrics may irritate the skin and cause an eczema outbreak. Wearing lightweight clothing also helps prevent overheating and sweating, both of which can contribute to eczema flare-ups. Extreme temperature changes will also aggravate your eczema and may cause an outbreak.
Avoid Scratching
Eczema rashes are extremely itchy, so it is difficult not to scratch them. However, scratching the rash will irritate it more and may even cause it to become infected. Keep your fingernails short so that they do not scratch open the skin.
Laundry
The chemicals in laundry detergents may cause eczema outbreaks. Use mild, fragrance-free detergents with a neutral pH. Double rinsing clothes helps to eliminate all traces of detergent left in the items.
Tip: Wash all new clothes and under garment before using or wearing.
Also, besides synthetic fabrics, soap and detergents, many times can cause an eczema flare up. Endeavour to pay close attention to those little things that can trigger outbreak, such as Jewelry, animal fur, perfumes, fruit juices, cosmetics etc.
Tip: Avoid any item known to cause a flare-up.
Reduce stress. Increased stress level can cause eczema outbreak. Decreasing stress is an important step in preventing eczema. Learn simple stress-reduction techniques, like deep breathing. Getting plenty of sleep also reduces stress levels.
Excessive Sweating can aggravate eczema, especially skin rashes near the joints, under the breasts and any other body areas where the skin folds on itself. Obesity greatly increases the chances of excessive sweating and skin fold rashes. So weight loss may help reduce symptoms.
Controlling Allergens.
Minimise contact with dust mites by washing clothing and bed linens and vacuuming on a regular basis. Pillow and mattress wraps also help reduce contact with mites as it can trigger itching of the skin.
