Stop The Itch Of Eczema


by Ingrid Tiessen - Date: 2007-04-02 - Word Count: 416 Share This!

Don't scratch, don't scratch, don't scratch, so itchy, must scratch! I look down at the inside of my elbow, and there it is, the light red patch of skin that is the beginning of my eczema flareup. And it just begging me to scratch it and make it worse. It seems logical not to, but like many people with eczema, I just can't help it.

Eczema is a skin condition usually categorized by irritated, red, sometimes scaly, but always very itchy, patches of skin. With flareups that range from mild to severe, eczema can affect anyone, from babies to adults. It is not contagious, just very frustrating. It usually occurs in creases of the body, like the insides of elbows and knees, wrists and ankles.

Eczema can pop up for many reasons, the most common being allergies and irritation from contact with substances, but may also be inherited. Mine seems to be aggravated the most when I am under a great deal of stress, or when I've been fighting a virus like a nasty case of the flu. I only need to look at my elbows to know I've had a bad few weeks and my body is fighting back.

Treatment for eczema is as varied as the causes and the individual that has it. What works for one person may not be right for another, which is why it can be so difficult to treat. Mild cases can be treated at the onset of symptoms with an anti-itch cream, or hydrocortisone cream. Because of the difficulty of treatment, many people will resort to home remedies, such as oatmeal baths and baking soda solutions, if only to stop the itch.

There are some basic rules to treating your skin well so that it doesn't get angry and turn on you. First, moisturize daily and keep the skin hydrated to help prevent flareups. Avoid hot water when bathing, and use gentle, unscented cleansers to keep the skin soothed. Avoid harsh detergents and fabric softeners, as they can leave residue on clothes that may not bother people with eczema. The less you bother your skin with external irritants, the less chance you will be itching and scratching later on.

Be sure to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you think you have eczema. Only he or she can suggest the best course of treatment to help get your eczema under control, but be open to natural remedies as well. As a rule, if it works for you, give it a try!

Related Tags: eczema cure, eczema therapy, itchy skin

Ingrid Tiessen writes about health and lifestyle issues. Visit her blog at stopeczema.blogspot.com for more information on eczema solutions.

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