1. Ice pack or something cold– Even frozen peas will do. When the itch becomes extremely inflamed and it’s nearly impossible not to scratch, this will give you immediate and temporary relief. You want to avoid scratching at all costs, as it will further irritate the skin. If there is a craving desire to scratch, DO NOT do it with your fingernails because your fingernails carry bacteria that could cause more than just prolonged inflammation.
two. Avoid irritants– This is not always easy to do. It can be nearly impossible to avoid common irritants like sweat, sunlight, grass, and polyester when your main hobby or job is playing baseball. If possible, opt for a more breathable uniform, put on a good sunscreen, and avoid rolling on the grass, as it will come back to haunt you later. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to do with the sweat. If possible, blot sweat with a 100% cotton towel. You may be surprised at how much your skin will improve simply by avoiding the things that irritate it.
3. Hydrate- this goes for anyone with dry skin, but especially people with eczema. HAS unscented Moisturizer should be in the bathroom of everyone with eczema. Using lotion right after showering is key to locking in moisture. Since having eczema means not only extremely dry skin, but also hypersensitive skin, using a fragrance-free lotion is key, as the scents in the lotion can irritate the skin.
Four. take care of your water– Nothing feels better sometimes than slipping into a nice hot bath after a long hard day. But be careful, hot water can make eczema worse. Boiling water causes increased itching and inflammation. Another important water issue to pay close attention to is chlorine. Chlorine really dries out the skin and is not only prominent in local pools and hot tubs, but small amounts are also found in your tap water and, yes, the water you use for showering. One solution to this is to purchase a fairly inexpensive water filter that will slide onto your faucets and shower heads. Of course, don’t stop bathing please.
5. In extreme cases: steroids, creams and tanning beds– probably all the things you were NOT expecting to read in an article like this. However, if your eczema stubbornly worsens even after trying natural remedies and preventions, some dermatologists may prescribe a cream, which can be of great help. Creams will usually do the job in a few days, but sometimes you may need something stronger, in which case your dermatologist may prescribe a mild steroid. Obviously, a steroid is not something you can keep using, rather it is something that will make your skin look better than ever in a short amount of time. It’s a quick fix for an extreme breakout. Now, tanning beds are more for cosmetic purposes. Used sparingly, tanning beds can even out the skin, and if you have frequent sun spots, it works great. But please, use it at your own risk, as tanning beds still emit potentially dangerous rays, leaving you more vulnerable to skin cancer.