Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin disease which can be really frustrating. Sufferers quickly learn that there is no cure for this kind of skin disease, and that even if you have taken preventative measures, you can still have unexpected flare-ups.
However, do not lose hope. One of the best things you can do is learn about and understand the skin disease. This will definitely help you minimize your worst symptoms, and be able to manage your eczema in keeping with your day-to-day activities and help you improve your quality of life.
Understanding Eczema
Eczema is a term for a group of medical conditions wherein the skin is inflamed or irritated. Now, the most commonly known type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions like hay fever and asthma.
Eczema is almost always itchy, and sometimes, the itchiness indicates that a rash will appear. However, rashes commonly appear on the face, wrists, hands, back of the knees, or at one’s feet. The affected areas usually appear very dry, scaly, and thickened but the defects in the skin barrier can allow moisture out and germs in. For those individuals that are fair-skinned, these areas may initially appear reddish then eventually will develop into discoloration (a brown color). On the other hand, darker-skinned individuals are usually affected by pigmentation, which makes the affected area a little bit lighter or darker. Hyperpigmentation can be easily treated by ClearifiRx, a treatment that is unique and effective because of its individual approach to you from highly qualified dermatologists who analyze your skin and prescribe you treatment that will even out and brighten your skin tone.
What Causes Eczema?
Unfortunately, the cause of eczema is yet to be discovered, although it is linked with an individual’s overactive response by the body’s immune system to an irritant which then triggers the symptoms of eczema. It’s commonly found within families that have a history of asthma or allergies.
There are various reasons why eczema can flare-up, sometimes it’s just a response against certain substances or conditions. However, for some, even coming into contact with coarse or rough material might cause the skin to be itchy. Exposure to certain household products like detergent and soap, or coming into contact with animal dander can also cause flare-ups. Even something as simple as the temperature, such as it being too hot or too cold of an environment, can impact your skin. Medical conditions can cause an outbreak such as upper respiratory infections or colds and stress can make it worsen over time.
Although currently, there is no cure for this skin disease, most people effectively manage eczema through medical treatment, avoiding irritants, and other ways. Since the condition is not contagious, developing and improving one’s quality of life is still possible.
Thus, read on to learn more about how you can manage eczema. Additionally, you may want to visit sites like pharmaquotes.com for further knowledge about medications.
Managing Eczema through Personal Care
Taking good care of your body is the first step in minimizing your atopic dermatitis symptoms. Since your primary prevention goal is to help your skin retain as much water as possible, then one of the best ways is to take a tepid daily bath and apply moisturizer on your skin.
Here are a few tips to help you combat your eczema:
Set a Timer
It is crucial that your skin is clean without drying it out too much so limit your showers to 10-15 minutes max.
Say No to Hot Water
Turn the temperature down and consider a warm shower (since you are avoiding drying up your skin).
Choose a Fragrance-free Bar or Cleanser
The fragrances included in some soaps/cleansers can irritate sensitive skin, so opt for those that are fragrance-free.
Moisturize
Apply a lotion or cream to dampened skin within three minutes after bathing.
Be Gentle
Be gentle with your skin – only pat it dry with a towel instead of being rough or scrubbing it.
Managing Eczema through Household Tips
Another thing you should consider are your household items since they can affect your skin’s health. The following household tips will help you manage your eczema.
Go Green
The harsh chemical sprays on the products that you use can aggravate atopic dermatitis even if it doesn’t come in contact with your skin. Always wear cotton-lined gloves while handling household products for cleaning.
Choose the Right Detergent
Use a detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances, which are substances that can irritate the skin.
Get Rid of Dust
Dust mites are everywhere and are common allergens that lurk in homes. Thus, it is vital that you clean your surfaces often and consider removing carpeting and rugs if it is possible. Opt for cleaning your household fabrics at least once a week in hot water.
Having eczema isn’t easy, but it also isn’t the end of the world. Making small changes like the ones we made above can have a huge impact. Staying away from the pollen, grooming your pets, and avoiding stress will also significantly help out in your managing of eczema.
About Allison:
Allison Lewis is a freelance creative writer who collaborates with various healthy lifestyle enthusiasts to share her experiences through the written word. She especially loves writing about health and the various ways to become healthy. Allison worked as a content marketing specialist in her former life but recently left to pursue a full-time freelance career.
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