Managing Eczema

Do you suffer from itchy, dry skin that leaves red patches and just doesn’t seem to ever go away? That inflammation may be a form of eczema, or dermatitis. Eczema, a common skin condition that results from a variety of causes, affects 35 million Americans every day. Here are some tips on how to manage that itchy, red rash:

Don’t scratch

Resisting the temptation to scratch is incredibly difficult but important. Scratching those itchy areas will only make it worse by increasing inflammation and your risk of infection.

Moisturize and use emollients often

Emollients are topical solutions that soften your skin, whereas moisturizers add and lock in moisture. Combining both will help correct dryness caused by eczema and reduce scaling.

Know what triggers your eczema

With help from a dermatologist, find out what makes your eczema flare. Knowing what can trigger flare-ups will aid you in determining which treatments work best and how to prevent them in the future. Products like scented soap are common triggers and should be avoided.

Keep sweating under control

Exercise is important to keep your body healthy, but sweat can actually cause some individuals to have eczema flare-ups. It is important that those suffering from eczema shower immediately after exercise to help keep eczema under control.

Ask about topical steroids

Topical steroids are the most common treatment for eczema. Ask your dermatologist if a steroid would be an appropriate treatment for your eczema. Following specific instructions provided by your skin care provider will get you on the fast track to managing your eczema.

Eczema and other skin conditions are common. If you think you may have eczema, call us today at (865) 690-9467 to speak with one of our friendly staff and schedule an appointment.