It's easy to become lax with your skin care regimen when for so long, you focused on the treatment of your eczema . However, maintaining good skin care habits is an important part of long-term eczema treatment even if you aren't experiencing a flare up. The most important part of preventing future flare-ups is to improve the overall quality of your skin through the use of a good moisturizing shielding lotion and a proper skin care regimen.
Having fewer outbreaks begins with healthy skin. The following tips can help you maintain healthy skin and helps control the frequency of your eczema flare-ups.
-- Moisturize your skin every day using a quality shielding lotion. Shielding lotions are different as they provide both a protective barrier keeping out harmful irritants that may exacerbate eczema flare-ups, and help keep moisture from escaping. By moisturizing, the skin stays soft and flexible, skin doesn't become overly dry and doesn't crack letting in infections. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances (perfume) and a lot of extra ingredients.
-- Bathe smartly. Use warm water, as hot water actually dries skin. Bathe only with a mild or moisturizing soap, and limit how much you use when bathing. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes to help the skin's outer layer absorb water and become less dry. Avoid rubbing your skin hard when drying off and use a soft towel to pat your skin dry. Apply shielding lotion immediately after drying, to help seal in the moisture. Adding a touch of vegetable oil to the water can boost moisturizing effects.
-- Avoid irritating fabrics or binding clothes. Cottons or soft fabrics are better choices over rough, scratchy fibers and tight clothing. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin.
-- Protect your skin from chemicals. Apply a shielding lotion and wear rubber gloves (not latex) to minimize irritation from household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine and other solvents. This includes perfumed personal care products.
-- Maintain control over your environment. When possible, avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat. Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
Regular care of your skin and proper hydration using a shielding lotion during and after an eczema flare-up will help your eczema treatments work more effectively, and helps prevent future flare-ups.
About the author: Author, Gloria MacTaggert, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for 21st Century Formulations. For more information, visit www.skinmdnatural.com.



