How to Treat and Prevent Eczema - Health Stato
Prevent Flare-Ups
Although there’s no cure for eczema, you can take a lot of simple steps to help keep it in check. And when a flare does happen, your doctor can help you with various treatment options. Keep in mind that there’s no perfect solution that works for everyone. From moisturizers to medicine, finding out what’s best for you may take some trial and error, and it can change over time.
Know Your Triggers
Everyone with eczema has their own triggers. It helps to learn yours so you can avoid them whenever possible. Common ones include:
- Allergens, like animal dander, dust, mold, and pollens
- Certain foods
- Dry skin
- Harsh soaps and detergents
- High temperatures
- Rough or itchy fabrics
- Skin products with dyes or fragrances
- Stress
- Sweat
- Tobacco smoke
Wear Soft Clothes
Your clothes touch your skin all day long, so you want to think about what you’re wearing and how it feels. The basic rule is to avoid friction. That means coarse, tight, or scratchy clothes, like wool, are out. Go soft and breathable. Cotton is usually a good choice. Also, dress for the season. Heat and sweat can trigger flare-ups, so it’s important to stay cool.
Resist the Itch
It’s easier said than done, but scratching is rough on your skin and can cause sores that lead to infection. Try these ideas:
- Put a wet cloth on areas that itch.
- Cover itchy areas to keep from scratching them.
- Gently rub with your fingertips instead of scratching.
- Keep your fingernails short to limit harm.
- Wear thin gloves while you sleep.
If it seems too hard to control the urge, you may want to see a therapist to break that habit.
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