Top 10 Thrifty Tips for Dealing with Eczema
March 2, 2007 by Karen Weideman
Filed under health
I remember the year I was in 5th grade and I got these blistery, red patches in the creases of my elbows and knees. I soon found out that it was eczema. I have lived with eczema since that time. It has been difficult dealing with the itching, burning, and painful breakouts. Here are some things that I have learned along the way that can help you and your family deal with this disease.
1. Wash all of your laundry (including sheets, blankets, towels) in a fragrance & dye free laundry detergent and fabric softener. Fortunately, there are many options out there today. Some of my favorites are Wisk free, Tide free, and Downy free.
2. Don’t take hot showers. I admit, this is one I can’t do. I LOVE my hot showers. Hot showers aggravate eczema and dry your skin out.
3. Don’t use harsh soaps. Dove works really well. Most other soaps and cleansers just dry out your skin.
4. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel (washed in fragrance free soap). Don’t rub.
5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. One of the best ways to moisturize your skin is right after a shower when your pores are open. Moisturizing should be done within 2-3 minutes after showering.
6. Avoid tight-fitting or itchy clothing. Try to wear a breathable fabric such as cotton.
7. Avoid triggers. These will be different for everyone. As you live with eczema, you soon figure out what aggravates you. Some triggers to watch out for are animal hair, dust, mold, and chemicals. Soaps and lotions with fragrance can also aggravate eczema.
8. Avoid sweaty activities. Sweating can make your skin itch and eczema flare up. I remember those red, blistery flare ups from P.E. class. 
9. Use a humidifier during dry or cold weather. Heating our homes during the winter significantly dries out the air and it aggravates eczema. (Tip: It also dries out our sinus passages and makes us more succeptible to viruses.)
10. Avoid stress. Stress causes eczema to flare up.
Some other tips:
Treat your home for pet dander. Vacuum frequently or replace carpet with hardwood or alternative flooring.
One of my favorite moisturizers is A&D Ointment. You can buy it next to the diaper rash ointment. The Wal-Mart brand works fine.
Let us know if you have any tips for dealing with eczema.
Pictures from breakspearmedical.com and zenmed.com.
Alkaline drops (I use ALKALIFE) is the answer, detoxifies your body and helps absorb minerals and vitamins better. Ten drops in a Litre of water, I’ve been drinking the stuff for 3 days – about a litre or more a day, and already I see a difference. Been suffering for about 15 years. So far so good… fingers crossed! Feel free to contact me for more info.