Moisture is Magic for Eczema Patients

Moisture truly is magic for eczema patients. Moisture sets the foundation for healthy, well-nourished skin. As well, skin that has lots of natural moisture in it does not become injured or broken as easily. No break in the skin means that there is less opportunity for viral or bacterial infections to get into the skin and cause problems. How then do you keep your skin well moisturized? Read on to find out.

Well-moisturized skin is clean skin that needs lots of water and emollients. However, be aware that too much water can dry the skin out excessively. Avoid soaking for too long in a hot bath or standing under a scalding shower for a long time. It is best for eczema sufferers to take short, warm, lukewarm or even cool showers and for bath lovers to forego the indulgent soak and make it a speedy soak.

If you spend a lot of time at home or at work with your hands in and out of water, (such as someone who works as a cleaning person, a window washer, a maintenance worker or a cook), then always wear a pair or rubber or vinyl gloves when your hands are in the water. Sweating results from wearing rubber or vinyl gloves and therefore it is smart to wear a thin pair of cotton gloves inside of the rubber or vinyl ones. Cotton absorbs sweat extremely well and is, in fact, the best material for eczema sufferers to wear in general.

The choice of soap or cleanser for your skin is a very important one. Choose something mild and look on the label for the words “for sensitive skin.” Dove and Neutrogena products are two excellent choices. Cetaphil is a non-soap cleanser and a good option for when your eczema is at its worse. Sorbolene cream is also good for cleansing and it will not strip natural oils from your skin. Choose an emollient oil to use in the bath and then an emollient moisturizer to use afterwards. The word emollient is often used interchangeably with moisturizer. Emollients are lotions, creams, ointments and bath/shower additives which 'oil' the skin to keep it supple and moist.

Always apply a moisturizer within a short span of time after exiting the bath or shower. In order to lock in moisture, it is best to apply lotion when your skin is still damp. This is one of the most important tips in keeping eczema flare-ups at bay. Some of the best choices for eczema prone skin as far as moisturizers go include Aquaphor, Vaseline, Curel, Alpha Keri, Lubriderm, Emu Oil and Moisturel. Never allow yourself to get lazy or sloppy in your moisturizing ritual. Always moisturize first thing in the morning and at night before turning in. If your skin requires that you do it more often, then by all means, do so.

An oatmeal bath is another way to prevent breakouts and to keep the skin well moisturized on a regular basis. Aveeno makes an excellent oatmeal bath or go ahead and make your own from porridge oats. You can also apply a lotion that is a combination of cocoa butter and oatmeal and then for added moisture add a touch of shea butter to your eczema prone skin.

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