If you have or know someone who has eczema, then you know that the “eczema itch” can be unbearable. Typically, children are the ones who deal with eczema. However, adults can deal with the skin condition and the symptoms that accompany it as well. The National Eczema Association (NEA) says that 1 in 10 people will develop eczema in their lifetime with a majority of them experiencing symptoms as children. What’s concerning to us as dermatologists is that the number of children with atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is increasing. With more and more people dealing with this skin condition, our team at the Derm Center wants to help you find relief from the annoying eczema itch. There are a number of relief methods out there, and different ones will work for different people. Here are five you can try!
“Soak and Seal” The NEA recommends a method they call the “soak and seal.” The good news is that this is something you can easily add to your daily routine. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Take a 5-10 minute bath or shower in lukewarm water.
Step 2: Wash with an unscented, dye-free & fragrance-free cleanser instead of soap. Try not to scrub your skin with a washcloth or bath loofah because you could irritate it.
Step 3: When you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry with a towel. Don’t dry all the way off, though. Your skin needs to be damp for the next step.
Step 4: If you have been prescribed a topical medication by a dermatologist, apply it as directed.
Step 5: Rub a high-oil content moisturizer all over your skin to lock in moisture. Try to do this within three minutes of getting out of the shower. The longer you wait, the more moisture you will lose.
Bath Treatments The Soak and Seal method may not be your cup of tea, and that is OK. There are plenty of other things you can try like bath treatments. You may have to experiment with these to find the one that is right for your skin. Here are a few of our favorite options.
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- Baking Soda – Add ¼ cup to your bath.
- Colloidal Oatmeal – Add colloidal oatmeal to your bath or apply it as a paste.
- Salt – For severe eczema flare-ups, try adding 1 cup of salt to your bath water.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Add anywhere from 1 cup to 1 pint of apple cider vinegar to your bath water.
- Bleach Bath – Consult a dermatologist before trying this method. According to the NEA, data shows that bleach baths can help with inflammation and itching. Plus, researchers believe that a mild bleach and water solution can help limit the bacteria on your skin that causes infection.
Wet Wrap Therapy Wet wrap therapy involves wrapping your skin in wet fabric to rehydrate it and relieve eczema symptoms. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Dampen a piece of gauze or clothing in warm water.
Step 2: Wrap the damp dressing around the area of your skin that is affected by eczema.
Step 3: Once you’ve applied your wet layer, cover it with a dry layer of gauze or clothing.
Step 4: Put on loose-fitting clothes like pajamas.
Step 5: Leave the dressing on for several hours. You can even leave it on overnight if that’s easier. The goal is to ensure that the wet dressing does not dry out.
Before starting this treatment, talk to your dermatologist.
Moisturizer The key to controlling eczema is to moisturize the skin! When the skin gets dry, symptoms flare up. Our dermatologists encourage you to moisturize your skin twice a day. When choosing a moisturizer, start with an ointment like petroleum jelly. Compared to lotion and cream, ointments do the best job of locking in moisture because they contain the largest amount of oil. If you are unable to find an ointment you like, then try a cream-based product before opting for a lotion. Creams contain more oil than lotions. However, check the ingredients in a moisturizer before you buy since some may contain skin-irritating preservatives. Look for products that are labeled as fragrance-free, dye-free, and perfume-free. Skip products that are simply labeled “unscented” because they can still have a fragrance. Ultimately, we want you to find a product that will fit your budget and is one that you will use.
Medications Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to help relieve eczema symptoms. Eczema is part of a group of conditions known as the “atopic triad.” This group contains eczema, allergies, and asthma. It is common for someone with eczema to also deal with allergies or asthma. Having more than one of these conditions can determine which medications you should try. For instance, if you have allergies and eczema, then taking antihistamines may be the right option for you. Your doctor may also recommend OTC pain relievers and topical hydrocortisone to relieve symptoms like burning, pain, inflammation, itching, and irritation. Only use OTC products as directed. You can also talk to your doctor about prescription medications like corticosteroids, injectables, and oral medications.
Find What Works For You
We want you to find the treatment that works for your skin. We wish there was a one size fits all eczema treatment, but there isn’t. If a treatment method you try doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged. Our dermatologists can help you find one that will. Give us a call at 423-521-1100 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.
