Eczema.com

Severe eczema is a really annoying thing. The itch, the pain, the unsightliness, the embarrassment, the inconvenience… Definitely something that you’d rather be without. Here are some top tips for fighting the annoyance factor, and getting relief.

Cool, wet compresses.

When it hits hard, try using the cold compress relief technique. Simply get some soft cloths (cotton works best for its absorption quality and softness) and some cold water. Place the cloths in the water, wring them out, and place on the affected area. Crushed ice in plastic zip-lock bags also work. Applying a bit of pressure may help as well.

Oatmeal bath

If you’ve never done it, you really ought to give this a try. Oatmeal, especially when finely ground serves the skin by enhancing moisture and relieving itching. Oatmeal bath products are available commercially, but your own grocery-store oatmeal bath works as well. Two or three cups of finely ground oatmeal (a coffee grinder or food processor does the trick) dissolved in the bath water should do the trick.

Warm bath

If you can’t take an oatmeal bath, go for a warm bath. The soothing soak can be a relief as well, but two cautions are in order. First, don’t go hot. Hot water can really dry the skin, having the opposite intended effect upon your eczema. Also, don’t soak too long. A long soak can also produce dry skin later on, leaving you in more discomfort than before the bath. After any bath or shower, you need to….you guessed it, apply your moisturizing cream.

Smooth cotton

Certain clothes can give relief, too. Rather than wearing rough denim, scratchy sweaters, or synthetic fibers, wear cotton. Smooth, breathable cotton does wonders for your skin. The lighter weight the cotton and the smoother it is, the better.