Relief for Itchy Skin
People with eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) have itchy, flaky skin that is exacerbated by allergens, irritants, stress, and dry skin. Although everyone's eczema symptoms are unique, the majority can be controlled with a consistent skincare regimen. Don't give up hope if a treatment doesn't work for you the first time. You can find a skincare regimen that works for you with the help of your doctor and some trial and error.
Take a shower or a bath at least once a day.
Since water can dry out your skin, taking frequent baths may seem like the worst thing you can do if you have eczema. The best way to seal in the moisture, hydrate your skin, and avoid irritation is to follow a daily bath with a good moisturizer. Be sure to bathe or shower in warm water (not hot) and limit your time in the water to no more than 10 minutes.
A mixture of soap and water is all that is needed.
Avoid using soaps that are too abrasive.
People with eczema need to take extra care when picking a cleansers. To avoid irritating your skin, ask your doctor to recommend a mild soap that doesn't contain any dyes or fragrances. Antibacterial cleansers should be avoided because they often contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients. Use only your hands to gently lather the soap onto your skin; do not use a washcloth or loofah to scrub the soap off your skin. Use only warm water to bathe if you're experiencing a severe flare-up.
Moisturize frequently.
Every day, moisturizing your skin twice or three times will keep your eczema at bay. While the skin is still damp from bathing, showering, or washing hands, it is ideal to moisturize immediately afterward. Wipe the skin clean and pat it dry with a towel before applying an oil-based moisturizer or a prescription treatment like an anti-itch cream, as instructed by your doctor. The best time to do this is right before you go to sleep.
Select a bath product.
To soothe eczema-sufferers' skin, you may want to add bath oil, bleach, vinegar, salt, oatmeal, or baking soda to your bath water. Skin infection-causing bacteria can be reduced by soaking in a mild bleach solution, and salt can help alleviate the stinging sensation caused by a severe flare-up. Oatmeal and baking soda baths can help alleviate itching symptoms. To find the best course of action for you, consult a doctor about your situation.
Keep your hands away from the skin.
Cover the irritated areas with a bandage or other material if you tend to scratch and rub. Wool, for example, can cause itching if it is too tight, rough, or scratchy. Instead, opt for light, airy fabrics like cotton. In addition, you should trim your fingernails and wear gloves at night to avoid scratching.
Apply a moist dressing.
When eczema is severe, applying a topical corticosteroid and covering the affected area with a wet bandage is an effective treatment. Acute symptoms can be alleviated within a few hours or days with this treatment. If you'd like to learn how to do this on your own rather than rely on a trained nurse, talk to your doctor.
Humidifier
Using a humidifier is a great way to keep the air in your home fresh.
You can prevent itching and flaking by using a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months. You can either use a portable humidifier for your home or one that is attached to your furnace. To avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi in your humidifier, be sure to clean it on a regular basis. Instead, choose breathable materials like cotton. In addition, you should trim your fingernails and wear gloves at night to avoid scratching.