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Do I have Eczema?
If you have dry, itchy, red, cracked skin, you may be asking yourself this very question. If you have been following my blog, then you remember I started my allergy journey with eczema. Read my About Me Page for more on my personal journey with eczema. There were many times I did not even want to leave my house, or my daily life was greatly impacted because my eczema symptoms were so terrible. I’ve had extreme itching, red bumps, and weeping, bleeding skin patches. Recently, eczema also showed up on my face, and this really impacted me. Can you relate? I focus on eczema and skin allergies in this post since they are just as difficult to live with and manage as food allergies.
What is Eczema Caused By?
The very basic definition of Eczema is a common skin condition resulting in itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It is caused by inflammation in your body and then develops when your skin over-reacts to small allergens or irritants. These can be allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or foods or environmental irritants such as perfumes, dyes, soaps, etc. The result is red, itchy, often painful skin symptoms.
Is Eczema Curable?
There is no known cure. The skin rashes and redness will not just go away. Eczema is a chronic condition that often requires medical treatment and avoidance of triggers to help prevent flare-ups.
What Causes Flare-Ups?
Eczema flare-ups are often caused by dry skin that is brittle, scaly, and rough or irritants in your environment such as everyday household products with which your skin comes into contact. Flare-ups often result from emotional stress, but it is currently not known why.
Is Eczema Genetic?
You are more likely to have eczema if there is a history of it in your family. If you have a family history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies then you are more likely to develop eczema as well.
How to Stop Itching Immediately?
As you know, eczema can cause extreme itching and discomfort to your skin. These are some ways to help stop itching.
Apply a cool compress on the affected area for approximately 10 minutes. This will numb the area and decrease the itch.
Use a thick moisturizer on the skin to stop the itch. One tip is to apply moisturizer to your skin, and then wear damp white gloves, or cotton socks (paid Amazon links), depending on the affected area.
Over the counter, hydrocortisone creams are effective, when applied immediately to the affected area.
Meditation or other relaxing self-care techniques help by reducing emotional stress.
Keep your hands busy by distracting yourself.
Best Cream for Eczema Itching.
I personally use Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion (paid link). It is very thick and seems to stay on your skin longer than most lotions. I have used it for years. It is really great in the winter months. Other brands recommended are (paid Amazon links),
Aveeno Eczema Treatment Moisturizer
Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream
CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Cetaphil Body & Face Moisturizing Lotion
I sincerely hope this post has been helpful. Join me next week for my post on the best allergy-free products for your skin and find out what products I love and use personally.
And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for a peek into my arsenal of allergy-free products.
Blessings, Laura xo
NOTE: Health information contained in this post is provided for general education purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for a diagnosis and should never be used for specific medical advice. Please consult a health care professional for questions, concerns, or treatment.
