Wednesday, 25 May 2011

The Best Way to Care for Skin with Eczema

One of the most common skin problems faced by thousands of people all over the world today is eczema. Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic condition that results when the skin is exposed to certain allergens or irritants that causes inflammation in the epidermis. While the exact cause of such skin condition is not clearly known, experts believe that eczema can be inherited and is most of the time linked to asthma and rhinitis, the other two most popular allergic conditions known to man. Scientists are yet to discover the ultimate cure for eczema, but while dealing with such a problem may be easier said than done, overcoming eczema is not at all impossible. In fact, by following very simple guiding principles, you can stop eczema on its tracks.

Keeping your skin well-moisturized is a very effective way of preventing flare-ups. Since skin dryness is one of the contributing factors of eczema, applying moisturizer regularly will help you deal with it. There are many reasons why you should wear a high quality moisturizer every day especially if you have skin problems like dermatitis. For one, a good moisturizer helps maintain the moisture level in your skin, making sure that it is well-hydrated at all times. It also helps increase your skin’s capacity to retain moisture and strengthening the protective barrier of your skin. When looking for a moisturizer, choose a brand name that you can trust, and one that contains ingredients that are not harsh to your sensitive skin and will be able to protect it not just outside but also from within.

Furthermore, look for a moisturizer that contains a combination of these ingredients: glycerin, silicone, hyaluronic acid, mineral oil, panthenol, propylene glycol, butylenes glycol, petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, tacopheryl acetate, cetyl alcohol, and prolipids. These ingredients make a good moisturizer that should be able to protect your skin from irritation, keep its moisture level at the top, and help promote cell turnover and skin rejuvenation, a very important factor that contributes to healing and stopping eczema.

Hydrocortisone should also be part of your ammunition when battling with eczema. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, hydrocortisone is often applied in the form of a cream or ointment. According to studies, almost 80% of people suffering from eczema have full recovery from the condition by using hydrocortisone as part of their treatment. In treating mild eczema, hydrocortisone with strength of 1% should be enough. However, a higher strength may be needed if you are dealing with severe eczema that affects tough skin.

Significant results are usually seen within 3 days of using hydrocortisone, although it may take some more time for the skin’s original state to be completely restored. Using hydrocortisone may be indeed one of the best ways to deal with eczema, but always remember to consult with your skin doctor before trying it as there are reports of how hydrocortisone may produce some negative side effects when not administered properly.

Another simple yet very effective way to deal with eczema is regular bathing. Water has a soothing effect on the skin that helps reduce inflammation and irritation that occurs during flare-ups. However, you should keep in mind that excess washing of the skin will also strip your skin off of its natural moisture so limit your bathing to once a day and three to four times a week. Using soap that’s specially designed for skin with eczema is advisable, as most ordinary soap contain harsh chemicals that can dry your skin and exacerbate your condition. Such harsh ingredients can also cause some damage to your ski’s barrier, leaving your skin susceptible to various conditions. In the same manner, avoid bathing for too long and use only lukewarm water, as hot water can dry the skin. Some experts suggest that adding oatmeal to your bath water can be helpful as well. Most importantly, never forget to apply moisturizer after every bath to restore moisture that has been stripped off by water.

Dealing with a skin condition such as eczema should neither be difficult nor expensive, since there are plenty of natural and safe ways to treat it. As long as your doctor gives you the go signal to try a certain method, you will have no problem at all.

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