Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin condition that causes itchy rashes to develop on the skin. Eczema can appear in different areas of your body — including your hands, arms, legs, and face — and can be triggered by certain factors such as stress or certain foods.
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
The main symptom of atopic dermatitis is dry, itchy patches on the skin that may look like scales or blisters. Moderate to severe eczema often appears as red, scaly patches on the hands and feet but can also appear on other parts of your body. You may also experience redness and swelling around these patches.
Some people also have itching or bleeding sores on their skin. The condition flares up occasionally and may require treatment with Adbry injection or ultraviolet light therapy.
Anyone can develop atopic dermatitis, but it’s most common in children under age 5 and adults between ages 30 and 40 years old with a family history of allergies (such as hay fever).
There’s no cure for atopic dermatitis, but there are lots of things you can do to reduce your symptoms, such as:
Limit your exposure to irritants
The most common irritants are soaps, detergents, and other environmental chemicals. This includes perfume, detergents, and fabric softeners. The chemicals in these products can dry out your skin and cause irritation. If possible, try to avoid them.
Avoid hot water, which can also strip away natural oils that protect your skin. If you must use hot water, ensure it’s not too hot and limit how long you’re exposed to it. Take extra care when washing dishes or laundry because they will also be very hot when they come out of the machine or dishwasher.
Avoid scratching your skin
It’s common for people with eczema to scratch their skin when it itches — but this only worsens the condition by breaking the skin’s surface and allowing bacteria to get in. If you feel like you have to scratch an itch, try gently rubbing an antihistamine cream onto the affected area first instead. If you’re still tempted to scratch afterward, try to distract yourself by counting backward from 100 in increments of sevens or eights.
Strengthen your immune system
Research has shown that people with eczema have weaker immune systems than people without eczema. Strengthening your immune system may help prevent flare-ups or lessen their severity if they do occur. You can do this by eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water daily, and taking supplements such as vitamin C (500 mg) twice daily.
Use moisturizers on dry areas consistently
Moisturizing is essential in treating eczema because it helps reduce itching and inflammation. Moisturizers seal moisture on the skin’s surface and help keep it hydrated, making flare-ups less likely to occur.
The problem with moisturizers is that not everyone reacts well to the same products. Some people may find that a lotion works best, while others prefer something thicker like a cream or ointment. You’ll need to experiment to find what works best for your skin. It’s also important to note that some people will experience side effects from certain ingredients, such as fragrances, preservatives, and other additives. If this happens, try another brand until you find one that works without problems.
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly
To avoid spreading germs, it’s best to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses.
Reduce your stress level
Stress has been linked to many health issues, including eczema flare-ups, so it’s essential to find ways to manage stress in your life as much as possible. People cope with stress by exercising, meditating, practicing yoga, talking with a friend or loved one about what’s troubling them, getting enough sleep at night, and taking time out for themselves each day (even if it’s just five minutes).
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water helps keep your skin healthy and moisturized. Make sure you’re drinking at least eight glasses daily; if you’re not a big water drinker, try adding fruit or vegetables to your water so it tastes better.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Hopefully, this list gave you some new ideas that might help you manage your condition. However, remember that everyone will react differently to different methods, and the quickest and best way to find out what works for you is to try out various efforts one by one. Don’t be afraid to experiment either: incremental changes are often the most effective in combating eczema, so don’t be scared of taking small steps towards healthier skin. Instead, take solace in that wherever your journey takes you, thousands of others are currently on the same path as you.
