Education Resource Center: First Steps In Treating Eczema

If you have eczema, it is important to take good care of your skin. Take warm (not hot!) baths on a regular basis and immediately applying moisturizers afterward will help keep your skin moist. You'll find more information about this in the bathing and moisturizing section. In order for prescription medications to be most effective, a proper bathing and moisturizing regime is required.

Eczema prevention check list:

• Moisturize every day.
• Wear cotton or soft fabrics. Avoid rough, scratchy fibers and tight clothing.
• Take lukewarm baths and showers, using mild soap or non-soap cleanser
  • Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towell - do not rub.
  • Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing to "lock in" moisture.

• When possible, avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat.
• Learn your ezema triggers and avoid them.
• Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
• Keep your fingernails short to help keep scratching from breaking the skin.
• Some people with allergies find it helps to remove carpets from their house, and give pets dander treatments.

Using Prescription Creams and Ointments >>>