How to Ease your Eczema

(NC) — The Eczema Society recommends the following simple steps to ease your eczema and to keep it under control:

1. Keep your home cool at all times and use a humidifier during the winter and summer months even if your home is air conditioned.

2. Stay cool as sweating causes itchiness and can make your eczema worse.

3. Use mild detergents such as Ivory Snow, avoid the use of bleach and fabric softeners, and rinse laundry thoroughly.

4. Bathe once or twice each day for 5 minutes in lukewarm water using oil with emulsifiers. After bathing, try to leave as much water on your body as possible, and finally lock in moisture with a moisturizer such as Vaseline or Aquafor.

5. Use cotton or soft clothing, linens and bedding. Avoid nylon and wool.

6. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Always test new products before applying them to your skin.

7. If your skin is very itchy try using a moisturizer.

8. Avoid products containing potentially irritating ingredients like alcohol, make-up, perfumes/fragrances, paint strippers, and astringents.

9. Work with your doctor and let him/her know if symptoms worsen.

For more information on eczema, visit the Eczema Society of Canada's website at www.eczemahelp.ca