The itchy, inflamed, red eczema-ridden skin can make life horrible if it’s not properly treated. In lieu of suffering, take the advice you will see ahead and get a better handle on your eczema. You will find greater relief this way. Continue reading for some helpful tips.

Avoid scratching your skin in areas that have eczema. This will only aid in making the skin itchier and will increase the inflammation. It could also cause infection. If you need to calm the itch, try applying a cooling gel or moisturizer. Make sure fingernails are clipped short, as well.

Make your moisturizer your best friend. Every time you wash your hands or take a bath, apply the moisturizer. Do not get fancy. Anything that has a scent attached to it could exacerbate your condition. Also, look for a very thick product to get the best results for your skin.

Manage your stress. If you are upset, your eczema may flare up, which will only exacerbate an already frustrating situation. Learn how to deal with stress and keep yourself from getting too wound up. For example, deep breathing is one thing you can do just about anywhere to help keep your stress levels down.

There are several medications you can try to help relieve the itching of eczema. Topical treatments including calamine lotion, which helps soothe the itching. Another topical option is an over-the-counter cream that contains one percent hydrocortisone. For severe itching, consider an oral over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Follow the instructions on the package, and remember that antihistamines may cause drowsiness.

Know what your triggers are so you can avoid them. Your triggers may laundry detergent, soaps, and dust. You should probably steer clear of any products that contain fragrances, chemicals or other unnatural additives. Choose pure and unscented products instead. This will help to reduce the discomfort of daily eczema flare-ups.

Keep your home temperature as comfy as you can. If it gets too hot or too cold, your skin may react to the environmental conditions that it is in. Use your air condition when it’s warm, and use your humidifier when it is cold. A humidifier hydrates the air and your skin.

To reduce eczema flare-ups, there are some basic bathing rules you can follow. Use room temperature water in your tub or shower. Hot water can cause eczema flare-ups. Don’t scrub your skin. Use a gentle soap alternative instead of soap itself. Pat your skin dry, and liberally apply moisturizer when you are done bathing.

Make sure that your nails are clean and trimmed. Even though you know you should not scratch your skin, you might do it in your sleep. This may make a rash worse, and if your nails are long it will make the problem worse. Also, keep your nails clean to help avoid infection.

Opt for ointments when choosing a moisturizer. They are usually better options for treating eczema since they seal in plenty of moisture using a protective seal. Creams or lotions can fail to do this. For this reason, ointments are significantly better for areas where skin has cracked open due to eczema.

Do you have eczema on your hands or wrists? Cold winter weather can be really brutal on these areas if they are not properly protected. The cold, dry air associated with winter can increase the dryness of your skin. Of course, this can cause a flare-up of your eczema. To help prevent this from happening, rub a ointment-based moisturizer on your hands and wrists. When you go outside, wear gloves for added protection.

If your hands have eczema, wear gloves. You need to keep your hands protected. This is especially important when you do dishes. Cotton gloves are an ideal choice for housework or for when you are exposed to the cold. Wool fabric close to the skin should be avoided. It may cause issues with your eczema.

Should your eczema start to bother you, do not itch, no matter how tempted you are to do so. Scratching not only makes itching worse, but it can actually irritate your skin and even cause infection. Try to find other ways to deal with the itching; apply cold compresses to the affected area or use medications.

Put a central humidifier on your furnace. Dry air during the winter will dry the skin and cause more frequent outbreaks of eczema. A humidifier will keep the air moist, which will keep eczema issues at bay.

Eczema is characterized by dry, irritated skin. You can soothe dry skin by bathing with an unscented and mild soap. A pharmacist can direct you to the mildest varieties found at drugstores. After bathing in warm, not hot water, be sure to apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp which will help your skin retain moisture. If you make this your regular bathing routine you should see marked improvement in your eczema symptoms over time.

Don’t wear clothes with annoying seams or tags that itch. They irritate your skin, causing a flare up. Try to get clothing that is tagless. Look for seams on the clothing. After wearing an outfit for too long, the seams can become uncomfortable. You can turn undergarments inside out to take the seams off of the skin.

Keep your emotions on an even keel. Stress causes lots of problems in lots of areas of life. It is no surprise that stress can make eczema symptoms worse. Avoid stressful situations and stress provoking people. Keep your life simple and organized. Practice stress management and stress reduction techniques.

Keep your nails short and clean. It is always best to avoid scratching your skin. A flare up of eczema can make this difficult, though. Make sure your nails are kept short and clean, just in case. In the event that you do scratch without realizing, this can help to avoid infection.

Do you have a better understanding of what causes eczema and how to remedy the symptoms? It’s a terrible condition that people suffer from, however, successful treatments are available. Consult a doctor and them use these home treatment when needed.