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How to Treat Eczema

Mild eczema
Mild eczema
Wikimeda Commons Image by Gebruiker GNU Free Use Liscense

Eczema is a skin condition where the upper layers of the skin become inflamed. Extremely dry skin and rashes or lesions that are itchy, flaky, blistery, cracking and even oozing, depending upon the severity of the condition, characterize eczema. It can be tied to one location of the body such as the hand, the scalp or the chest. Eczema can also be widespread and found all over the body. Eczema tends to run in the family, but can also occur in people with no family connections.

From Quick Guide: All About Itchy Skin
Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Apply moisture. Keeping the body moisturized can help prevent outbreaks of eczema. Moisturizing can also calm existing outbreaks. Moisturizers used for eczema should be thick to allow it to keep in contact with the skin longer and also protect the skin. One of the more popular moisturizing creams is Eucerin, which combats dryness and also helps sooth scalp irritations.

  2. Step 2

    Choose skin cleansers carefully. Avoid harsh deodorant soaps. Natural soaps made from goat milk and oatmeal can be very effective. A great non-soap cleanser is Cetaphil. You can also look for non-allergic soaps in your local drug store or supermarket.

  3. Step 3

    Avoid contact dermatitis. Eczema can be triggered by things you put against your skin such as clothes washed in harsh detergents, perfumes, bug repellents and other allergens. If you notice an outbreak after using a certain item, discontinue use of that item. Other allergens that may trigger an eczema outbreak are dust mites and mold. Food allergies can also trigger an eczema outbreak.

  4. Step 4

    Use light therapy. Mild cases of eczema can be improved with the use of exposure to UV Rays through sunbathing (for short periods) or using tanning beds.

  5. Step 5

    Consult a doctor. If your eczema is out of control, visit your doctor to create a treatment plan. Such a plan may include antihistamines and corticosteroids in addition to topical creams and behavior and food modification.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do not try to self-diagnose eczema. The first outbreak can be mistaken for poison ivy or ring worm, so self-treatment can damage the skin.

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on 11/07/2008 All excellent advice.

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