Also called "atopic dermatitis," eczema is a chronic and inflammatory skin disorder that causes rough, bumpy patches to form. While not contagious, scratching can cause eczema to spread over the entire body. In particular, the wounds that are generated after vigorous scratching can cause a contagious secondary infection. Avoid scratching by nourishing your skin and controlling the factors that can trigger eczema flare-ups. Talk to a dermatologist for the best treatments for itching, which can make it worse.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Avoiding the Spread of Eczema on the Body
Step 1. Adopt habits that allow you to take care of your skin in a gentle way
Avoid rubbing it or using harsh cleaners. Wash it with a gentle, fragrance-free product. When it comes to sunscreen or cosmetics, opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic products. The skin should always be washed with cold or lukewarm water.
Aggressive products and boiling water can dry out and irritate the skin. Since skin irritations cause itching, keep your skin well hydrated to prevent the spread of eczema
Step 2. Moisturize your skin throughout the day to keep itching under control
Always wash yourself using lukewarm rather than boiling water. Cleanse your skin gently, then pat it dry with a towel and apply a cream after letting it dry for a few minutes. Look for alcohol-free moisturizing creams, lotions, or ointments, which can dry out the skin. The moisturizer should be applied several times a day, even if you are using medicated creams.
Step 3. Use colloidal oats
Since it is made by finely grinding oats, it dissolves or suspends in water and lotions. Various researches show that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effective for soothing itching. Massage a colloidal oat cream on the areas affected by this discomfort, or add powdered colloidal oats to a warm bath.
You could also add fragrance-free bath oil, baking soda, or vinegar into the tub to soothe the skin
Step 4. Press a cold compress to the itchy skin
Take a clean towel, wet it with cold water and wring it out. Spread it on the itchy skin and leave it on until the discomfort subsides. By relieving the itchiness, you will avoid scratching and spreading the eczema to other parts of the body.
Step 5. Keep your nails short
Trim your nails regularly to keep them smooth and short. This way, if you accidentally scratch yourself, they will do less damage than long nails.
Step 6. Maintain proper hydration
It is important to drink water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you plan on exercising or sweating. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
You can also drink herbal teas, milk and fruit juices
Step 7. Sunbathe for a few minutes a day
The sun helps to fill up on vitamin D, which is effective in fighting eczema. Although prolonged exposure is bad for the skin, sunbathing for a few minutes a day helps treat the condition and prevent it from spreading.
Method 2 of 3: Avoid Triggering Factors
Step 1. Wear fabrics that are soft and allow your skin to breathe
Tight-fitting clothing can trap heat and moisture, making eczema worse. Choose items with a soft hold and that let the skin breathe, such as those in cotton. Make sure the fabric feels soft and comfortable against the skin, while avoiding itchy fibers, such as wool. Remember to wash your clothes with fragrance-free laundry detergent.
If you tend to scratch in your sleep, try wearing comfortable, light gloves before going to bed
Step 2. Avoid intense fragrances
The chemicals and fragrances found in harsh laundry detergents, soaps, detergents, and lotions can make eczema worse. Wash your skin with fragrance-free cleansers and clean the house with gentle products, free of intense fragrances that could irritate the skin.
Step 3. Vacuum and dust at least once a week
If you find that pollen, mold, dust, or dead animal cells are causing your eczema to flare up, remember to dust and vacuum at least once a week. You need to do this more often in case you have pets. Remember to wash the kennels too.
Try using an air purifier or humidifier. These devices purify the air and increase humidity levels in the environment, helping to fight itching
Step 4. Keep stress under control
Research has shown that stress can make eczema worse, increasing the risk of it spreading. Try relaxing therapies to combat this. For example you can:
- Take deep breaths
- Take a walk;
- Take small breaks during the day
- Engage in an enjoyable activity;
- Meditate.
Step 5. Avoid tobacco smoke
Some studies have linked tobacco smoking with worsening of symptoms associated with eczema. If you smoke, try to quit or limit your consumption. In the event of an eczema flare-up, you should also avoid public places that tend to fill with smoke.
Method 3 of 3: Undergo Treatment
Step 1. Keep food allergies under control
Although research is still ongoing, some studies have shown that food allergies can cause or worsen severe eczema. Intolerances and allergies tend to cause eczema to form or spread, more in children than in adults. Talk to an allergist to determine if you have any allergies or intolerances to certain types of foods. It may be necessary to eliminate at least one of the following foods:
- Milk and derivatives;
- Egg;
- Grain;
- Soy or dried fruit
- Seafood.
Step 2. Apply topical corticosteroids
See a dermatologist to examine the skin and determine the severity of the eczema. It may be that he prescribes an ointment, cream, lotion, or spray. For mild eczema, you may want to buy an over-the-counter corticosteroid, such as hydrocortisone. Put it on the irritated area and apply a moisturizer, as corticosteroids can dry out the skin.
Observe your dermatologist's recommendations for using corticosteroids. In most cases, they should only be applied once a day
Step 3. Take antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading
Your dermatologist will prescribe oral antibiotics in case you have scratched and the rash has become infected. These medicines kill the bacteria responsible for the infection, which tends to make eczema worse. Given the side effects, keep in mind that your dermatologist will only prescribe antibiotics if you have a skin infection.
Step 4. Try phototherapy
In the event that eczema does not respond positively to medication, contact your dermatologist to inquire about phototherapy. According to research, UV rays can relieve the itching sensation in the short term, but it takes two to six treatments per week, to be performed for four weeks to three months.
