Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects thousands of people worldwide. Living with eczema can be very stressful due to the discomfort and even pain that comes with it.

However, there are different ways to manage the symptoms of eczema, and in this article, we will be elaborating on some of the most effective ways to keep flare-ups under control.

Maintain a Healthy Skin Barrier

The skin barrier functions to protect the skin from foreign substances and regulate moisture. When this barrier is damaged or compromised, it creates room for allergens, irritants, and bacteria to penetrate the skin.

This can lead to inflammation, itching, and redness. An effective way to maintain a healthy skin barrier is to moisturize regularly. Use an unscented moisturizer that is gentle on the skin, particularly after bathing, to help the skin retain moisture.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Avoiding triggers is essential in managing eczema symptoms. Some common triggers include certain fabrics, stress, harsh soaps, detergents, environmental allergens, and changes in temperature.

Try to identify what your triggers are and avoid them as much as possible.

Take Cool or Lukewarm Showers

Hot water can cause your skin to dry out, and this can worsen eczema symptoms. Taking cool or lukewarm showers can help keep your skin moisturized and calm. Try not to spend too much time in the shower and avoid scrubbing your skin when bathing.

Instead, use a gentle body wash or soap, and pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing.

Use a Humidifier

Dry air can cause your skin to become irritated and itchy. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.

However, it’s important to keep the humidifier clean to avoid bacteria and other harmful microorganisms from spreading.

Avoid Scratching the Skin

Scratching the skin can further irritate eczema and cause it to spread to other areas. It’s important to resist the urge to scratch when you feel the itching. You can try applying cold compresses to the affected areas to help relieve the itching.

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For an even better result, you can apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream.

Use Mild Skin-Care Products

Choose skin-care products that don’t contain alcohol, fragrances, or other harsh chemicals. These can cause irritation and worsen eczema symptoms. Use mild, hypoallergenic products and apply them gently onto the skin.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Avoid wearing tight and rough clothing. Instead, choose loose and breathable clothes that will keep you comfortable. Soft cotton clothes tend to irritate the skin less than wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics.

Make sure to wash your clothes with a mild, fragrance-free detergent, and avoid fabric softeners that can irritate the skin.

Take Medications as Prescribed

There are different medications that can help manage eczema symptoms, including corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitors, and antihistamines. These medications should be used only as directed by your doctor to avoid side effects.

Some people may also want to consider phototherapy or other alternative treatments.

See a Dermatologist

You may find it challenging to manage eczema symptoms on your own. If your symptoms are severe or not improving with home remedies, you should see a dermatologist. The dermatologist can come up with a treatment plan that is specific to your condition.

He or she may prescribe medications or recommend other procedures to help control the symptoms.

Conclusion

Managing eczema symptoms can be very challenging, but the key is to be consistent with the different techniques mentioned in this article.

It may take some time to notice significant improvement, but with patience and the right approach, you can definitely keep those eczema flare-ups under control.