9 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Eczema - Article Health

Derived from the Greek language, the word “eczema” translates to something like “to boil.” And anyone who has atopic dermatitis—the most common form of eczema—can probably see why. The symptoms often shows up as red, itchy rashes on your arms and legs, and can sometimes cause open sores or resemble scaly skin.

Although it’s possible to develop atopic dermatitis for the first time as an adult, the majority of people experience it shortly after they were born, perhaps as young as two months old. “Most people outgrow it in their early teens, but it can come back later in life,” says Whitney High, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and pathology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in Denver. “For some people, atopic dermatitis continues through into adulthood and never lets up.”

The condition itself is likely hereditary, and usually runs in the same circles as allergic rhinitis and asthma. “Families that have one child with eczema often have another child with asthma or even a third child with seasonal rhinitis or hay fever,” he says.

To limit your odds of experiencing a flare up, here are nine things to avoid.

Take a luxurious bath
A long soak in the tub might sound fantastic—but if you have atopic dermatitis, spending too long in the bathtub can leave your skin feeling itchy and red. The next time you turn on the tap, remember the Goldilocks rule: the water should be not too hot, not too cold, but a lukewarm medium. Ideally, you’ll also limit your soak to no longer than 15 minutes a day, says Dr. High. “We tell people to take good care of their skin by doing gentle bathing and not over-drying the skin,” he says.

Wear a wool sweater
Any kind of abrasive texture, like wool or certain synthetic fibers, might irritate your skin, says Dr. High. A better wardrobe choice: soft, cotton clothing in a looser cut, which won’t rub against your skin. You should also wash any new clothing you buy before wearing them—some contain dyes that make the fabric appear nicer in the store, but may trigger a flare-up on your skin.


Subscribe to receive free email updates:

0 Response to "9 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Eczema - Article Health"

Post a Comment