How do you know for certain if the itch you have been scratching is already eczema? Your best option is to visit a skin doctor or a dermatologist. A dermatologist specializes in treating skin issues. So if you think you have eczema, don’t start diagnosing yourself and giving treatments unless you are a dermatologist of course.
Why You Should Visit a Dermatologist
By visiting a dermatologist, you can find out for sure if you have eczema or other skin conditions. For example, contact dermatitis behaves in a certain way like eczema. The skin doctor will perform tests and check out your medical history to give you a correct diagnosis. A correct diagnosis leads to the right treatment. Your dermatologist will also help point out things that may be irritating your skin and give you advice on how to avoid your eczema from flaring up. If your skin doctor have diagnosed that you have eczema you may be prescribed with medications like creams and ointments with corticosteroids to help relieve the redness and itchiness. You may also be given a prescription for antihistamine pills or other medications to be taken orally to soothe your irritated skin.
More on Eczema
So what is eczema? This is actually a group of skin conditions which trigger redness, irritation, and itchiness on the skin. In some cases, small bumps filled with fluids appear. These bumps turn moist and ooze out. Eczema is actually a very common skin problem that many people experience. So if you have eczema, don’t feel too down and think that only bad things happen to you. You are not the only one suffering from this condition. Don’t think that the forces of the universe is conspiring against you just so you would feel uncomfortable.
No Cure for Eczema
There is no cure for eczema…yet but the good news is it can be prevented from flaring up. Follow these tips to prevent having any flare-up.
- Follow your skin doctor’s advice and avoid substances or things that are known triggers of your eczema. You should also avoid handling detergents, household cleaners as well as lotions that are scented.
- How water can trigger your eczema to flare up. This is because hot water will rob the skin of its moisture making it dry and prone to irritation. If you love taking hot baths or hot showers, you should at least turn down the temperature to lukewarm and keep them short. Water itself dries out the skin so you should avoid soaking for too long. If you would be doing chores that would involve your hands getting soaked in water, wear rubber gloves.
- Be gentle to your skin. Use mild cleansers and a mild body wash. Tap dry instead of rubbing your skin dry.
- Keep the skin moisturized. Moisturize your skin with Moroccan Argan oil. This oil contains numerous nutrients with moisturizing properties such as Vitamin E, Sterols, Squalene, and essential fatty acids. Many people with eczema and psoriasis swear by the effectiveness of the Argan oil in relieving the irritating symptoms of their skin conditions.
- Opt for clothes made from cotton fabric.