Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition characterized by dry, red and itchy skin. The exact cause is still unknown, but the rash appears to occur after exposure to certain triggers. Fortunately, you can avoid the latter and follow treatments to keep this disorder under control.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Eczema
Step 1. Use anti-itch creams
Those based on corticosteroids are able to control this symptom of eczema. During a clinical study, 80% of subjects reported that their dermatitis or eczema responds well to hydrocortisone. Ask your doctor if you can use a cortisone cream or ointment for your skin disorder.
- Your doctor may prescribe a strong ointment, or you can purchase a low concentration (within 1%) product directly from the pharmacy.
- If you have decided to use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, spread it 2-3 times a day for 7 days. If the itching does not subside or improve within 7 days, stop taking it and contact your doctor.
- Ask your dermatologist about the advisability of systemic cortisone. These are far more powerful than the ointments on sale and are used in cases of severe or difficult to treat eczema. They are sold in the form of pills, lotions or injections.
- Although the concentration of steroids in over-the-counter products is very minimal, always pay great attention and strictly follow the doctor's instructions or those reported on the leaflet. Abuse of corticosteroids can irritate the skin and trigger hyperpigmentation.
Step 2. Take antihistamines
These drugs (such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine) can reduce the inflammation and symptoms of eczema. You can take them orally, in the form of pills or liquid, but also topically with creams and ointments.
- Consult your doctor before relying on over-the-counter antihistamines and take these drugs strictly following the dosage indicated on the package or by the doctor.
- If the area affected by the disease is extensive, then oral antihistamines are more suitable than creams.
- Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, so take it before bed.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about antibiotics
Since eczema causes itching, there is a risk of bacterial infection triggered by scratching and damaging your skin. In this case, the dermatologist will prescribe antibiotics to treat this further problem.
Always take antibiotics as directed by your doctor and complete the course of therapy even if the infection appears to be improving
Step 4. Ask your doctor if you can use calcineurin inhibitors
These creams limit itching and reduce eczema outbreaks. However, they are only available by prescription and should only be applied if all other medicines have not brought the desired results, as they cause severe side effects.
Calcineurin inhibitors are tacrolimus and pimecrolimus
Step 5. Give phototherapy a try
This healing technique uses natural sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light to suppress the overactive immune system and thus reduce skin inflammation. The results are a decrease in itching and rashes.
Since prolonged phototherapy has dangerous side effects (including premature skin aging and cancer), you should always discuss this option with your dermatologist. Due to the related side effects, this cure is not suitable for children
Step 6. Take a bleach bath
A very diluted bleach bath helps keep skin infections under control. Try diving 2-3 times a week for a few weeks and see if your symptoms subside.
- Add 120ml of bleach (household bleach) to a bathtub full of water. Soak the affected skin (excluding the face) for 10 minutes. At the end of the bath, rinse the skin thoroughly and apply a moisturizer.
- Alternatively, you can try oat baths. The compounds of this cereal are natural anti-inflammatories that also soothe itching and relieve irritated skin.
Step 7. Apply a cold pack
Hold an ice pack over the eczema-affected areas of the body to find some relief from itching. You can use a clean towel dipped in cold water.
The cold compress protects your skin and prevents you from scratching due to itching
Step 8. Don't scratch yourself
You may be tempted to do this, but try to restrain yourself as much as possible, otherwise you could damage the skin and trigger bacterial infections.
- Keep your nails short to minimize the chances of scratching yourself.
- You can also wear gloves at night to not scrape your skin while you sleep.
- Wrap your skin to avoid direct contact with your nails. Cover eczema-affected areas with a bandage or gauze while you sleep.
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Triggering Agents
Step 1. Identify the factors in your lifestyle that trigger eczema
Rashes can be caused by many different factors which vary from person to person. For this reason it is important to know what your triggers are (clothing fabrics, chemicals or foods).
- Keep a diary and write down all the products you use and all the foods you consume throughout the day. This will make it easy to identify the possible causes of a rash.
- Try eliminating one product at a time to find out if it affects your skin problem.
Step 2. Do not wear clothes made with irritating fibers
Some materials can worsen skin conditions or trigger eczema. Monitor your symptoms and if you notice a particular material causing the rash, stop using it.
- Do not wear coarse fabrics such as wool and tight-fitting clothing that irritate the skin. Opt for garments made from breathable fabrics such as cotton, silk, or bamboo.
- Remember to wash new clothes before wearing them for the first time to soften the fibers and eliminate possible irritants.
- However, some detergents can be triggers, as they leave residues on clothing. Before throwing away one of your favorite clothes, try washing it with natural soap or changing detergent. These simple changes could make all the difference.
Step 3. Check the hygiene products and cosmetics you use
Some body care products contain ingredients that can trigger a rash. You should choose non-irritating, fragrance-free lotions, soaps and makeup that are formulated to be hypoallergenic.
- Use a product for a few weeks to see if it causes eczema. If so, replace it with another one.
- Stay away from all cleansers and cosmetics that contain parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. These are widespread irritants that cause dry skin and trigger eczema crises.
Step 4. Pay attention to your nutrition
Certain foods or added ingredients may be responsible for your problem. Avoid refined foods and choose organic products whenever you can. In addition, you can keep a food diary to help you identify the triggers in your diet.
- If you are unsure whether a food is responsible for the outbreak, try eating it for a few days and check your skin reaction. Then take it off your diet for a few days and see if the skin improves. Repeat this process with all "suspicious" foods.
- Try cutting out milk and gluten as they are common dietary causes of eczema.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Outbreaks
Step 1. Avoid environmental factors that can trigger the skin problem
If and when you can identify the triggers (see previous section), then you need to avoid them or switch to non-irritating products.
- Don't use chemicals, cosmetics, and personal care products that trigger eczema. Remember that usually the problem is represented by a particular ingredient; for this reason you must not use any product that contains it.
- Try mild, hypoallergenic soaps for "sensitive skin".
- Wear protective clothing and gloves if you have to handle a product that triggers eczema.
Step 2. Moisturize your skin regularly
To avoid dryness and keep the skin well hydrated, apply a skin cream at least twice a day. The creams and lotions help the suffering epidermis to retain natural moisture, reduce dryness and therefore the itching related to the disorder.
- Apply a moisturizer after bathing or showering to trap moisture in your skin.
- Before washing, coat your body with a moisturizer (one based on water or emulsifier like Aquaphor) and then gently "wash off" the cream with or without soap. This remedy prevents water from overdrying the skin. In the end, he dries the body by patting it - without rubbing - to avoid any kind of irritation.
- Consider applying a moisturizer that also has a restorative and barrier function (such as petroleum jelly). This product retains moisture on the skin and prevents dryness.
Step 3. Make changes in your personal hygiene habits
Wash yourself in lukewarm, not hot water and limit the duration of your showers to 10 minutes. Water that is too hot can dry out the skin much more than warm water, just like prolonged contact with water.
- If you typically bathe, soak for no more than 10 minutes and add a bath oil to the tub water.
- Moisturizes the skin immediately after washing it, when it is still slightly damp.
Step 4. Avoid hot and humid weather
Sweating and overheating increase the chances of a rash of eczema, making symptoms worse.
- Stay indoors when the weather is hot, or stay in the shade to keep your body at a comfortable temperature.
- Look for air-conditioned rooms or cool your skin with a fan if you find it is too hot.
- Wear light layers of clothing that help your skin cool and promote evaporation.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Step 5. Use a humidifier during the winter or if you live in a dry climate
Although heat and humidity cause you to sweat and thus trigger breakouts, dry air makes eczema worse.
- Put a humidifier in the bedroom at night to increase the humidity of the air and skin.
- But remember to clean it regularly, to avoid the development of dangerous microbes in the water.
Step 6. Limit your stress
Moods and anxiety are also capable of triggering eczema crises (not to mention the increased risk of other health complications); you must therefore be able to reduce the pressure to which you are subjected. Do whatever it takes to organize your life, reduce stress, and manage anxiety.
- Try relaxation techniques such as controlled breathing and yoga.
- Exercising regularly also helps fight stress.
Advice
- Try different solutions to find the one that best suits you and your skin type.
- If you want more details on natural remedies for eczema you can read this article.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Remember that eczema is a disorder that does not go away overnight; however, it seems to improve as we age.
- Smear a thick layer of Aquaphor ointment on the affected skin and then cover it with a bandage. The product treats the skin, while the bandage allows it to be absorbed by the skin while protecting the clothes.
Warnings
- Don't cover eczema with makeup unless the condition is well controlled. Again, always choose perfume-free cosmetics that do not trigger an outbreak.
- Don't use steroids (neither topical nor oral) if you don't need them. Prolonged use of these drugs causes severe side effects such as skin thinning.
- If an ointment causes a burning or tingling sensation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
