Excema is an inflammatory skin condition, also called atopic dermatitis, and is a chronic condition. Treatment can reduce symptoms and control flare ups; however, excema in not curable. Flare ups are more common in the winter months, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drier air indoors contributes to excema flare ups, requiring additional skin care. Treatments target inflammation, itching and prevention of future flare ups.
Step 1
Apply cold compresses to the affected area several times daily to relieve itching and inflammation. This soothes the area and also prevents scratching of the damaged skin, which in turn speeds up the healing process. Also keep fingernails cut short to prevent scarring and other damage caused by scratching, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 2
Take a daily antihistamine to relieve itching and reduce inflammation. Diphenhydramine is an active ingredient used in many nighttime antihistamines and should be used before bed for relief, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 3
Moisturize the skin daily with petroleum jelly. Moisturizers that contain fragrance and other additives can worsen conditions and inhibit healing, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Aloe vera juice is a natural moisturizer that can also soothe the itchy area. Apply moisturizers 2 to 3 times daily for best results.
Step 4
Opt for IPL therapy, or intense pulsated light. This therapy delivers low intensity artificial light to the affected area to speed up the skin's natural healing process. According to the Mayo Clinic, small amounts of sun exposure may also improve excema; however, long term use of light therapy is not adviseable.
Step 5
Use a portable humidifier to keep the air inside your home moist. This promotes healing and prevents future excema flare ups by eliminating dry unstable air indoors. According to the Mayo Clinic a portable humidifier can be attached to your home furnace and provides moisture for the entire house instead of one room at a time.
Things You'll Need
- Cold compress
- Antihistamine
- Petroleum jelly
- Portable humidifier
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