Help for Your Eczema

Your eczema may be a constant irritant. Red, itchy areas of skin aren't fun, especially if they’re in a visible place always on display to others. 

Eczema is characterized by inflammation of the skin. A study of eczema patients found that the most common complaints were:

• Itching scaly skin
• Inflamed red skin
• Pain
• Difficulty sleeping 

There are several types of eczema; atopic dermatitis is the most common one. Over 30 million Americans have some form of eczema — about 10% of the population. About half are adults and half are children. The condition can start in childhood or adulthood. 

Our board-certified dermatologists at Seacoast Dermatology are experts in all things related to your skin. They’re the specialists you want to see for eczema. 

Medical treatment for eczema

Eczema is a chronic condition that comes and goes. We can help you manage it. Our dermatologists may use any of the following methods to help get your eczema under control: 

• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Antifungals
• Prescription moisturizers
• Steroids
• Wet wraps over steroid creams covered with dry bandages
• Light therapy

At-home care for eczema

You can take proactive steps to help combat eczema flare-ups.

Identify and avoid triggers

We identify possible triggers for eczema flare-ups that you may not have associated with your condition. For example, you may not realize that a favorite perfume may be an irritant. Any of the following among other irritants could be possible triggers: 

• Wool
• Soaps and laundry detergents
• Perfume
• Makeup
• Dust
• Sand
• Chlorine
• Cigarette smoke
• Perfume
• Bubble bath
• Industrial pollution 
• Long, hot showers or baths
• A dry climate
• Allergies 
• Infections
• Stress

Once you identify a trigger, avoidance is the best strategy to keep your condition under control. If you live in a dry climate, use humidifiers in the house. 

Moisturize, moisturize 

We generally recommend one or two specific types of moisturizers that are the best to use for eczema. Use moisturizer at least twice a day. It helps keep the condition at bay. 

Bathing and cleansers

We recommend specific brands of gentle cleansers for sensitive skin. Pat your skin and apply moisturizer before your skin is completely dry. 

Clothing and laundry 

Do an inventory to see if there are materials you’re reacting to. Wool is a common irritant. Choose a laundry detergent for sensitive skin and use only the recommended amount. Use a second rinse cycle if your machine has that option. 

At night 

If you can’t stop scratching as you get into bed and wake up scratching yourself during the night, wear soft cotton gloves to help prevent it. You can buy them at the drugstore. 

Stress management

Stress never helps any condition. Once you get your eczema under control, learn stress management techniques and use them every day as needed. 

With proper care, you can manage eczema so that it’s not the omnipresent cloud around you. Sunny days await. Call us at Seacoast Dermatology today for expert eczema treatment and all of your skin care needs, or use our online booking system. Our offices are in Portsmouth, Exeter, and Dover, New Hampshire.