subject: How To Manage Skin Eczema [print this page] Generally speaking, eczema is recognized as a rash-like condition on the skin. It is well known that eczema has different forms and that choosing the correct medication can be compromised if the particular type of eczema that is occurring is not properly identified. The most prominent kind of eczema is the atopic dermatitis form. This kind of eczema is usually triggered by an allergic reaction to something in the environment or something that is being handled. Often, eczema can become so itchy that you want to scratch your skin to relieve the itchiness. However, once you scratch the affected skin, you only worsen the situation because the skin becomes inflamed. Studies show that very young babies are by far the most susceptible part of the general population to suffer from eczema.
There is no definitive explanation as to what causes eczema. However, it is generally held that skin eczema is not contagious, which is good news for everyone. It has also been established that people coming from a family with history of eczema, themselves have more chance of developing eczema.
No cure has yet been found for eczema. Nevertheless, experts generally agree on the management methods appropriate to deal this kind of skin condition. There are some things that are best avoided in order to prevent triggering eczema. Suggested preventive measures to eliminate possible stimuli that might trigger eczema include the following.
People are advised to minimize their contact with things or substances that can cause skin irritation. Common materials that can cause skin irritation are detergents, soaps, gasoline, soaps, household cleansers, aftershave lotions, and turpentine. Hands should be washed only when needed and the kind of soap used should be mild. This is most applicable to people who have already experienced eczema on the hands. After washing, the hands must be dried thoroughly to remove all possible residues or contaminate.
You should also be cautious with your bathing method to avoid the development of eczema. The use of only minimum amounts of mild soap when bathing is strongly suggested. Set the temperature of the water to warm or cool and avoid having the water too hot if at all possible. It is better to soak your body in the tub for only a limited period of time, as the skin has the potential to absorb the water and thus reduces dryness. It is advisable to limit yourself to about twenty minutes of soaking, and a soft towel should be used when drying. Try not to rub the skin. An added precaution is to use a moisturizer right after drying the skin.
If your work requires you to immerse your hands in the water, then make sure that you wear plastic gloves. Vinyl gloves are probably the best option. The wearing of gloves should be restricted to the times that hands are about to be exposed to substances that can cause skin irritation. During use, remove the gloves once in a while to avoid building up of sweat within the gloves and remove completely once immersion is no longer required.
Skin eczema can be managed as long as you take precautions to help prevent it occurring. If you remember and follow some of the above information, you will be in a better position to cope with the management of eczema.
