Talk with your dermatologist about alternative therapies for eczema, an itchy skin condition. This doctor can effectively diagnose the type of eczema you have and can come up with an appropriate treatment plan. One alternative treatment for eczema is setting aside time for relaxing activities to combat stress if stress triggers flare-ups.
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Without knowing what specifically causes eczema it is difficult to prevent it. However, with a proper diagnosis and a better understanding of what triggers your flare ups it is possible to avoid those flare-ups and better manage the condition. It can be as simple as avoiding certain types of clothing, keeping your stress levels at a moderate level or even drying yourself differently when you get out of the bath or shower.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersSynthetic fabrics, wool, and other materials that are rough to the touch can make eczema worse by irritating the skin. Your dermatologist might suggest wearing cotton and cotton-blend clothing instead. Also, certain laundry detergents can irritate sensitive skin. A doctor might ask you to change detergents to see if you notice a difference.
Ask your doctor about other changes you can make to prevent eczema from getting worse. -
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe best way to care for your eczema if you live in a dry climate is to take steps to avoid drying your skin further. Bathe and shower in lukewarm, rather than hot, water to avoid stripping oils from your skin. Use gentle cleansers rather than harsh deodorant or perfumed soaps that may irritate your skin. Pat your skin dry gently after bathing, and while your skin is still damp, apply a moisturizing cream or ointment to keep skin moist. If eczema persists or worsens, see your dermatologist, who may prescribe medications to treat your eczema.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersEczema can become worse when you eat certain foods if the condition is triggered by a food allergy. If you suspect a food allergy is causing your eczema to worsen, speak with your dermatologist. He or she can run tests to find out which foods you are allergic to. It may also be helpful to keep a diary in which you record your daily diet and your eczema flare-ups. Look for a correlation between the two.
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Simply changing the way you bathe can have a big affect on your eczema. For starters try bathing less often. Many people can get away with showering every other day. When you do take a shower or bath avoid using hot water and limit the amount of time you spend getting clean. It's also a good idea to use a milder soap (or a soap-free cleanser) and to use it sparingly. When it's time to dry off, use a soft towel and pat yourself dry rather than rubbing your skin. Use a moisturizer immediately afterward to seal moisture in the skin. Bath oils are not usually found to help.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 3 AnswersEczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is somewhat common, with approximately 10 to 20 percent of the world’s population developing it. Among people who develop eczema,a skin condition the runs in families, 90 percent develop the condition before age five.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 3 AnswersMedications treat eczema by controlling itching, reducing skin inflammation, clearing infections, loosening and removing scaly lesions, and reducing the formation of new lesions. It is important to remember that, in most cases, no one treatment will be totally effective in treating eczema. A combination of therapies is usually the most effective way to manage the condition.
Talk with your doctor about the range of therapies used to treat eczema. -
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersSymptoms of eczema can include flaky skin, red skin, scaly skin, and skin that feels itchy and/or painful. If the skin becomes dry enough it can even crack and bleed. Some people develop blisters that weep and ooze. Chronic scratching can, over time, lead to thickening of the skin. Some types of eczema make the skin more susceptible to infection.
Talk with your doctor about your eczema and how to treat it. -
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersYou can help your dermatologist assess your eczema by providing him or her with your medical history. Accurately describe the circumstances under which you first noticed you had a rash and when it started. This can help your dermatologist determine the cause. Keeping a journal logging your eczema flare-ups and any factors that seem to trigger them can also help.