Establishing a simple and basic skin care regimen is vital to skin health.
The skin plays an important role as a protective barrier in keeping bacteria and other organisms in the environment from entering your body via the bloodstream.
Soaps and detergents remove the natural oils from the skin.
This tends to make the skin dry, itchy and more sensitive to irritants. Use just one brand of soap/cleanser/moisturizer, as using multiple brands may cause further issues and skin sensitivity. Be sure to use dye free, fragrance free, low pH products that cause less irritation.
Avoid hot baths and showers.
Oatmeal or a lukewarm bath with a capful of chlorine bleach helps to cleanse and disinfect the skin.
If you need to towel dry, be gentle by patting, not rubbing the skin. Immediately after bathing, it is important to protect your skin with a moisturizing cream/ointment to provide a protective barrier. Choose a thick, stiff cream or ointment -not a lotion, which has a high water content and evaporates quickly, leaving your skin vulnerable. Keep your skin well hydrated with regular daily moisturizing, even if eczema is not apparent on the skin. Frequent moisturizing – 2 – 3 times daily is recommended. Moisturizers should be free of alcohol, scents, dyes, fragrances and other skin irritating chemicals.
Cold compresses/wet wraps may help to relieve itching.
<!–This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. We are continually updating & improving the learn