3 Super Tips To Prevent An Eczema Outbreak

Since there is no cure for eczema, treatment usually involves preventative measures. This means discovering ways to avoid triggers that may result in an eczema outbreak and ways to manage or alleviate various resulting symptoms.

 1. Prevent eczema by moisturizing your skin. There are many moisturizers available for eczema prone skin that should be used at least twice a day (morning and night), or even more frequently should it be required. Strictly avoid scented moisturizers or those containing alcohol and remember that cream base moisturizers are thicker than lotion moisturizers. Also avoid the newly manufactured scented body butters because they are not good for individuals suffering from eczema. Some good moisturizers to help you prevent eczema include Aquaphor, Alpha Keri, Curel, Eucerin, Moisturel, and Lubriderm.

 Soaps dehydrate the skin; so do not indulge in long soaks in the bathtub. Hot water showers are equally bad for the same reason. If you take hot water showers, do not stand to long under the stream. After your bath do not rub your body but gently pat it with a soft washcloth or bath sponge. For extremely sensitive skin use a soap cleanser like the ones made by Neutrogena or Dove or try Cetaphil, a non-soap cleanser. Apply the moisturizer immediately while your skin is still damp, it will be more readily absorbed by your pores.

 2. Prevent eczema through stress management, One of the biggest reasons for a sudden flaring of eczema is stress so you should be very proactive about either reducing or alleviating negative stress from your day to day routine. Do not stay isolated but try to stay in the company of people that are understanding and tolerant of what you are going through.

Discuss your problems with your close friends and confidantes. If you do not have family or friends close enough to talk your heart out to, you can always join support groups which contain like minded people who already understand and appreciate what you are going through. One of the more helpful support groups is the National Eczema Association for Science and Education (NEASE).

 3. Prevent eczema from worsening by not scratching. Admittedly, scratching is not something that everyone can control easily. One precaution you can take is to cut your fingernails short. Long and sharp edged nails can easily cause tear damage to skin that is already sore and swollen. Furthermore, scratching and eczema affected area can cause the eczema to worsen into a serious condition because of other viral or bacterial infections.