Eczema (or dermatitis) refers to a number of skin conditions that cause inflammation, irritation and itching. Eczema makes the skin dry and red, and many people make it worse by rubbing or scratching the areas affected by the dermatitis. This in turn causes the release of additional inflammatory agents into the epidermis layer. It is a very common disorder that often affects children. Although there is no definitive cure, it can be kept under control by avoiding the factors that trigger it and by properly treating the affected areas.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Avoiding the Triggering Factors
Step 1. Avoid personal care products you are allergic to
When your skin comes into contact with allergens, eczema can flare up, which is why it's important to know your allergies and steer clear of ingredients that tend to irritate the skin. They could include:
- Soaps / bubble baths, especially those that contain artificial perfumes and fragrances;
- Perfumes;
- Cosmetics;
- Laundry detergents (making the rinse cycle of the washing machine last longer can be useful in this regard);
- Some creams.
Step 2. Wear gloves when handling skin irritants
Many items you commonly use around the house (even some foods!) Contain substances that can have a negative effect on the skin, drying and damaging it. Avoid contact with this type of product. If this is not possible, wear rubber gloves to protect your skin (especially if eczema affects the hands). Here are some things to avoid:
- Household detergents;
- Finger paint;
- Gas;
- White spirit;
- Wool;
- Pet fur;
- Meat or fruit juices;
- Plants, accessories, and lotions can also irritate sensitive skin.
Step 3. Take short baths or showers
You can prevent dry skin from getting worse by limiting washing to 10-15 minutes. Exposure to water dries up the skin. If possible, skip the shower one day a week to give your skin breath. You should also use warm (not hot) water.
- Try installing a limescale-reducing device in your home (especially if it's hard) so that bathrooms or showers dry out your skin less.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean soft cotton towel after bathing. Do not rub it while it is drying, otherwise you only risk irritating it.
Step 4. Use mild soaps
Although considered safe for the skin, some products can be harsh and dry it out. Choose a soap specifically designed to moisturize it and apply it in moderation. Avoid products with artificial fragrances or dyes, as they can increase the chances of your skin reacting negatively.
- Soaps containing deodorant and / or antibacterial substances tend to dry out the skin more, so avoid them whenever possible.
- Apply the soap to your face, armpits, genitals, hands and feet only. Wash other parts of your body with water only.
Step 5. Wear soft cotton clothing
Synthetic fabrics (such as polyester) can irritate the skin and cause eczema to flare up, especially those that are rough to the touch. This is especially true if your clothing is tight and / or you move a lot when wearing it. You can prevent skin irritation caused by certain items of clothing by not wearing them.
- Some fabric dyes can also irritate the skin. If you find that eczema flares up when you are wearing a certain shirt, stop using it and check the label to learn more about the dyes used during manufacture. Add them to the list of factors you should avoid.
- Cut the label from shirts, bras and panties to prevent them from rubbing and irritating your skin.
Step 6. Keep dust mites under control
Mites are among the main culprits of eczema episodes. In addition to keeping your home clean, you can reduce the chances of them further irritating your skin by doing the following:
- Remove carpets, rugs and curtains from the house;
- Use plastic mattress covers;
- Clean the house thoroughly at least once a week. This is especially important for getting rid of dust;
- Wash your sheets at least once a week.
- Promote adequate air exchange in the house by opening many windows, especially when cleaning (weather permitting).
Step 7. Maintain a humidity level of 45-55% indoors
A dry environment can negatively affect the hydrolipidic film. Use a humidifier (especially if you live in a dry, cold, and / or high altitude location) to increase the humidity level in your home if necessary.
- Use a hygrometer - a device that measures humidity - to determine if the air in your home is excessively dry. Alternatively, some more innovative humidifiers have a built-in hygrometer and can be set accordingly.
- The humidifier must be filled periodically with water.
- A sudden drop in atmospheric humidity can immediately dry out the skin, increasing the risk of eczema developing.
Step 8. Avoid foods that tend to cause eczema
Although little evidence exists, some people find that certain foods cause dermatitis, especially among children under one year of age. In particular, the offending foods appear to be those to which children are already allergic or intolerant. Here are some products commonly found guilty:
- Milk and derivatives;
- Egg;
- Dried fruits and seeds;
- Soy products;
- Wheat / gluten.
- If you haven't confirmed a possible allergy yet, exclude the suspected food from your diet for two weeks. Then, reintroduce it and see if the symptoms show up again. If so, you should avoid this food. If not, go ahead and eat it.
Part 2 of 2: Treating the Symptoms
Step 1. Moisturize the skin
Regular hydration helps to naturally maintain proper hydrolipid balance, preventing dryness and cracking of the skin. This measure serves two purposes: to prevent the disease from worsening and to relieve symptoms. There are many types of over-the-counter moisturizers, most of which are easy to find at a drugstore or supermarket.
- Choose a thick cream or ointment, which are preferable products for excessively dry skin.
- Children with eczema should use fragrance-free products. Petroleum jelly is a good option.
- Apply the moisturizer at least twice a day. Overly dry skin absorbs moisturizing ingredients relatively quickly, so you need to reapply them more often than in a person who does not suffer from eczema.
- If you plan on going out in the sun for an extended period, use a sunscreen with a high SPF (50 or higher) to avoid further drying your skin from exposure.
- Maintain proper hydration by drinking lots of water.
Step 2. Use hydrocortisone cream to treat inflamed areas
Hydrocortisone and other corticosteroids are effective for reducing inflammation and some symptoms associated with eczema episodes. These creams are applied directly to the skin and in low concentrations are available without a prescription in most pharmacies. Instead, you will need a recipe if the concentration is greater than 1%.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging of the cream and do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
- Abusing corticosteroids can have side effects. These medicines should only be used to treat acute episodes, while they should be avoided in other cases. However, it is possible to mix a limited dose with your moisturizer and apply the solution in times of recurring dermatitis (such as during dry winters).
- Avoid ingesting hydrocortisone creams - they are intended for topical administration only.
Step 3. Take antihistamines to relieve itching
Over-the-counter antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) are available at any pharmacy and are usually taken by mouth. They should only be used when you have acute episodes of eczema and the itching is intense.
- Be aware of the possible side effects of antihistamines. Sleepiness is one of the most common. It is up to you to decide whether it is worth suffering from the adverse effects of these medicines to relieve itching. Just make sure you follow all warnings on the package insert.
- It is not always possible to relieve intense itching with over-the-counter antihistamines. Talk to your doctor to consider alternative options if they don't work.
Step 4. Take antibiotics to treat infections
Antibiotics are needed to fight infections caused by bacteria that get into skin tears, but they can only be purchased by prescription. See your doctor right away if you are concerned that you have an infected wound.
- Always finish the course of antibiotics that you are prescribed, even if the infection passes before it is finished. Stopping therapy could cause the infection to recur, which in this case will resist antibiotics. Try to avoid it!
- Make sure your doctor explains all the side effects associated with antibiotics. If you take any other medicines, tell them to avoid the possibility of complications.
Step 5. Take bleach baths
While it seems counterproductive because this substance dries the skin, it actually helps eliminate the bacteria responsible for the infection and reduce the chances of developing one. However, talk to your doctor first, as it can make the situation worse in some cases.
- Use half a cup of bleach for a tub full of warm water. Use less if the tank is not full.
- Soak for about 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
- Repeat two to three times a week.
Step 6. Consider moving elsewhere
If you live in a dry climate and tend to suffer from severe dermatitis, consider moving to a more humid place. Places with moderately high humidity levels tend to have fewer negative effects on the skin, as it won't dry out as easily. The decision to move alone or with your family is an important one and should be considered a last resort to treating eczema (unless you are considering a move for other reasons).
- Even extremely high humidity can sometimes cause problems for eczema sufferers. It is preferable to live in a place with moderately high humidity rather than in a place where it is high all year round.
- Be sure to consider seasonal variations affecting humidity. Some places are humid in the summer but quite dry in the winter, while others are relatively hot and humid all year round.
- Talk to your doctor before making this decision. Some types of eczema don't improve that much, even if they move to a place with a higher humidity level.
Advice
- If you tend to scratch the itchy areas, keep your nails short to decrease the chances of tearing the skin.
- If eczema affects a baby or young child, ask your pediatrician to find out how to treat it, as some adult remedies may not be recommended for babies.
- Many cases of childhood eczema go away around the second year of age and do not cause any problems thereafter.
