Dermatitis and Eczema

By: John Moore

Clear Skin Remedies

Maybe the first question you asked yourself after the doctor diagnosed your condition was, "Why me ? Why do I have to suffer the redness and irritation of dermatitis ? Why do I have to suffer the itching and dryness of eczema ?"Your doctor is perhaps best qualified to answer that question, difficult as it can be, but it may help to know that you're not alone. Millions of other people suffer from some form of dermatitus every year.

The following tips are designed to help those with diagnosed conditions of eczema or dermatitis control the itching and dryness that accompany these afflictions :

Beware Of Dry Air Dermatitis is aggravated by dehumidified air, especially during winter months when forced-air heat circulates in the home. Since dry air tends to aggravate the itching of eczema or dermatitis, keeping indoor air moist should be a primary concern of sufferers and their families. You can counter dry air with a good humidifier, but you really need a big unit to do any good. If you sleep next to it however, that's ok. Put it next to your bed.

Like It Lukewarm.

While some experts feel excessive bathing can aggravate the condition, others feel that regular baths reduce the chances of infection and help soften the skin. Taking these different opinions into account, the safest thing to do is to bathe regularly but use lukewarm water. Not too hot, yet not too cold.

Go For Grease.

Regular soap need not be avoided in your bath as long as a moisturiser is applied after its use to keep the skin from drying out. A number of after-bath emollients (greases) are available over the counter. If your skin still seems dry after using one of these products, move up to heavier creams or ointments.

Take An Oatmeal Bath.

For an additional soothing treat, add colloidal (fine powder) oatmeal to the bath water. You can even use oatmeal as a soap substitute. For the bath, pour colloidal oatmeal (from your pharmacy) into a bath of lukewarm water. For use as a soap substitute, wrap the oatmeal in handkerchief, tie it with a rubber band, dunk it in the water, wring it out, and use as you would a normal washcloth.

Take Comfort In Cotton.

Cotton clothing worn next to the skin is much better than either wool or polyester. Avoid synthetics or itchy fabrics, as well as tight or badly fitting clothes. In addition to looking tacky, such clothing can trigger itching.

Compress To Soothe.

Cold wet dressings can help soothe and relieve the itching associated with contact dermatitis. Try cold milk instead of water, it seems to be a lot more soothing.

Cool With Calamine.

Calamine lotion is good for many types of rashes that ooze and may need to be dried out. Also, calamine lotion with menthol or phenol added to it can be purchased over the counter from the pharmacy. This seems to help itching better than calamine lotion alone.

Beware Of Body Lotions.

Sometimes baby lotions aren't the best thing for childhood eczema. They have a high water content, and that can further dry and irritate the skin as evaporation takes place. Use creams or ointments instead.

Wash Once, Rinse Twice.

When it comes to doing the laundry for people with eczema or dermatitis, make sure the detergent is washed out thoroughly. Don't use too much detergent, and always rinse the clothes at least twice.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has been helpful.