Is Your Dry Itchy Skin Eczema? What Can Be Done
Eczema is a dry skin condition that can affect those young and old and everyone in between. It is a condition that can be found on just about any part of the body but is especially prevalent on the arms, legs, cheeks, and buttocks. Eczema is where your skin is extremely dry and may peel or flake in these areas, you may also have redness or these patches may appear puffy. If you have eczema, it can leave you self-conscious about the noticeable rash. This is a condition that is treatable, and there are things you can do to help prevent eczema flare-ups as well. Read on for tips.
Watch Your Diet
Your diet may be to blame for your eczema flare-ups. If you have eczema and it worsens depending on what you eat, you should change your diet to include healthier foods. Some foods such as gluten may cause flare-ups, as can foods that are too spicy. Change what you are eating and eat healthier options that don't have a lot of preservatives in them either. Stick to fresh fruits and vegetables when you can, and eat fewer grains when you can't nix them from your diet. Other things such as alcohol or even caffeine may cause a flare-up, so try to limit these as well.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
The clothing you wear may leave you with an eczema flare-up. Try to wear loose-fitting clothing whenever possible. Stick with fabrics that aren't itchy and that are breathable as well. Fabrics that are all-natural such as cotton are best to wear. Make sure the fabric isn't too clingy to your thighs or your upper arms.
Avoid Fragrances
Avoid using soaps that contain fragrances or lotions that contain too much fragrance. Wash your clothing in soap that is made for sensitive skin, use soap that is fragrance-free as well. Fragrances can irritate the skin, especially when they are in your clothing or your blankets, and can leave you with a flare-up.
Use A Topical Cream
To help give you relief from the itching during a flare-up, you can use an over-the-counter topical cream. Apply the cream to your skin and avoid itching. You can also talk to your dermatologist about what other types of creams can be used to help give you relief. You may need other types of medications to help give you relief from your eczema.
If you have eczema, there are things you can do on your own to help. Talk to your dermatologist about your eczema and what other things you can do to prevent flare-ups.
