Treating eczema-affected skin

To improve dry skin caused by eczema, use a suitable soap, moisturize, reduce skin temperature, avoid rubbing, use cold compresses, and consider using natural products.

According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thi Quy, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can flare up upon contact with environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema characterized by dry, scaly, itchy, and ulcerated skin.

Severe dry skin can cause pain, itching, or scaling. The redness worsens, begins to scab over, and peels. Patients may also experience hyperpigmentation, skin cracks, difficulty sleeping at night due to intense itching, or infected dry skin with pus, blisters, foul odor, or pain.

If dry skin is bothersome but doesn't affect your daily life and shows no signs of infection, you can try the following self-care methods. However, these home remedies are not intended to replace a treatment plan previously prescribed by a doctor, according to Dr. Quy.

Use the right soap.

Washing with harsh soaps or strong fragrances can cause severe skin irritation. To keep your skin's natural moisture barrier moisturized, you should use mild soaps with a neutral pH.

Take time to moisturize.

It's important to moisturize immediately after showering or bathing. When choosing a moisturizer, look for those that are fragrance-free, perfume-free, and dye-free. Ointments and creams are better than lotions because they contain more oils.

Reduce the temperature of contact with the skin.

Use warm water instead of hot water; water that's too hot can disrupt your skin's natural moisture balance. Try to limit shower time to no more than 10 minutes. You can also use a humidifier in your home or office.

Pat gently, avoid rubbing.

Avoid rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel or sponge while you're showering. When drying with a towel, try gently patting or blotting your skin to retain some moisture.

Use a cold compress.

When symptoms flare up, causing discomfort from itching and inflammation, applying a cold compress to the affected area can help alleviate the symptoms.

To apply a cold compress yourself, put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag, rinse a towel under cold running water, then wrap the damp towel around the ice bag and place it on your skin for 15 minutes at a time.

Use natural products

Honey

With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, honey is used as a natural wound healer and moisturizer.

Coconut oil

With its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps retain moisture in the skin and reduce inflammation.

Aloe vera

Often used in gel form to soothe sunburned skin, aloe vera contains polysaccharides that stimulate skin regeneration and heal dry, irritated skin.

Oatmeal

Soaking in a bath filled with oatmeal soothes dry, irritated skin.

However, according to Dr. Quy, if the skin becomes severely dry, home remedies do not improve the condition, or the symptoms worsen, it is necessary to see a specialist for examination and treatment.

America and Italy

Source link