1. Wintertime Eczema
The appearance of eczema can vary by season. Most individuals with eczema clearly notice that their eczema worsens during the winter months, when they stay indoors more and their skin gets drier, aggravating eczema. It's especially important to hydrate your skin during the winter months to prevent your eczema from getting worse.
2. Eczema and Psoriasis
Nearly 90 percent of eczema cases occur before the age of five. Eczema is sometimes confused with psoriasis, so it can be difficult to diagnose. If you're an adult who has never experienced eczema, and you're now first noticing possible eczema symptoms, you might have psoriasis. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Realize, though, that some of the treatments for eczema are the same for psoriasis. At times, eczema and certain forms of psoriasis are indistinguishable to even the most knowledgeable physician, so try not to self diagnose.
3. Eczema and Psychology
Realize that the appearance of eczema can have negative psychological effects. Many individuals are embarrassed or feel awkward about how their skin looks, and this discomfort usually increases the worse their eczema is. Eczema is not contagious, but many people are shocked or uncomfortable when they see eczema for the first time.
4. Improve Eczema with Topical Treatments
The appearance of eczema can be lessened or eliminated with the use of certain creams. Your physician can recommend a prescription cream that is right for you. Just keep in mind that nearly all pharmaceutical products are accompanied by possible side effects. The best thing you can do to reduce or minimize the appearance of eczema is to keep your skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Moisturize your skin every day. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, which can make eczema worse. Pat your skin until almost dry following your bath or shower, and use a hypoallergenic lotion to lock in moisture.
5. Lifestyle Makeover
Realize that nearly every product you use on yourself or in your home can potentially exacerbate eczema. Laundry detergents that contain harsh chemicals can aggravate eczema, as can environmental toxins found in many conventional household cleaning products. If you want to reduce the appearance of eczema, reevaluate your entire lifestyle. Use natural alternatives to common household cleaning products. Revamp your diet by eating more organic foods. Switch to hypoallergenic shampoos and body care products.
