Eczema is a word widely applied to different persistent dermis diseases. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are marked by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Regions of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions, although scarring is rare. In contrast to psoriasis, eczema is often likely to be spotted on the flexor part of joints.
Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Making sure skin is well lubricated is one of the most important self-care treatments for those afflicted with. Maintaining good moisture levels in moistened can hasten bring skin back to normal and easing of symptoms. Dry skin and acne can be a tough combination to combat but the eczema is usually the tougher foe.
The use of soaps and and harsh detergents should be halted on affected skin because they can strip oils the body produces naturally and result in too much dryness. Alternately, the use of moisturizing body wash, or an emollient like aqueous cream, can help to keep natural skin oil levels at a good leveland may lessen some of the need to moisturize the skin. Another option is to try having a bath using colloidal oatmeal bath treatments. Besides avoiding soap, other products that may cause the skin to dry out such as powders or perfume should also be eschewed.
Varying products are touted as eczema cures. Moistening agents are called ‘emollients’. Normally, the best option is to match denser balms to the least moist, flakiest skin. Light emollients like water-based cream may not have any effect on severely dry skin. Some common emollients for the relief of eczema include Oilatum, Balneum, Medi Oil, Diprobase, bath oils and aqueous cream. Sebexol, Epaderm ointment and Eucerin lotion or cream may also be salutary with itching. Lotions or creams can be applied directly to the skin following a bath to retain as much moisture as possible.
Moisturizing gloves can be worn through the night while sleeping. As a rule, two applications per daily of emollients work best. It might be easy to apply creams, they are quickly absorbed into the skin, and therefore need frequent reapplication. Ointments, which contain less water, stay on the skin for longer and require fewer applications, however, they can be messy and less convenient. Steroids such as Betnovate may also be mixed in with ointments.
With skin that has not been scratched off, placing of waterproof tape with or without an emollient or prescription ointment can improve moisture quantities and skin integrity which permits skin healing. This treatment process can also help stop the skin from cracking, as well as put a stop to the itch cycle. The end result is reduced roughening of skin from repeated scratching. Taping works best on skin away from joints.
