Living With Eczema: Cleansing the Skin
When living with eczema, proper cleansing of the skin is vital. Cleansing the skin reduces bacteria that may be present on the skin's surface as well as removing the effects of pollution, city dirt and grime.
Astringent soaps and any astringent agents that shrink the skin pores such as witch hazel, alum, oatmeal, very cold water, and rubbing alcohol should be avoided, as they shrink pores, trapping more body oils in the skin. Deodorant soaps and those with a strong fragrance can also cause additional skin irritation. Soap dries skin and should be avoided by people with eczema. Soap is designed to eliminate dirt and grime, but it strips the skin of the very oils that are there to protect it.
Manufacturers do add fats and oils to soaps, particularly baby soaps, but these are still generally too harsh for eczema sufferers.
Water also dries skin, and combined with soap on cracked and broken skin can be very painful.
It is better, therefore, to use soap substitutes, usually in the form of a cream, that are specifically designed for dry skin and eczema. These are available on prescription or over the counter to buy. It is better to obtain the cream in a pump dispenser, or transfer it into a dispenser, in order to reduce spreading germs from infected skin. Rub the cream into the skin for several minutes, and then rinse off.
If you have to use soap, make sure it is either a non-alkaline soap, or a solid cream - these look like a bar of soap but do not contain soap at all.
Experts are divided as to whether it is beneficial to bathe regularly if you have eczema. Normal baths should be avoided, but bathing with the right soap products will help to remove scabs, prevent infection and help seal in moisture in preparation for the application of emollients.
Astringent soaps and any astringent agents that shrink the skin pores such as witch hazel, alum, oatmeal, very cold water, and rubbing alcohol should be avoided, as they shrink pores, trapping more body oils in the skin. Deodorant soaps and those with a strong fragrance can also cause additional skin irritation. Soap dries skin and should be avoided by people with eczema. Soap is designed to eliminate dirt and grime, but it strips the skin of the very oils that are there to protect it.
Manufacturers do add fats and oils to soaps, particularly baby soaps, but these are still generally too harsh for eczema sufferers.
Water also dries skin, and combined with soap on cracked and broken skin can be very painful.
It is better, therefore, to use soap substitutes, usually in the form of a cream, that are specifically designed for dry skin and eczema. These are available on prescription or over the counter to buy. It is better to obtain the cream in a pump dispenser, or transfer it into a dispenser, in order to reduce spreading germs from infected skin. Rub the cream into the skin for several minutes, and then rinse off.
If you have to use soap, make sure it is either a non-alkaline soap, or a solid cream - these look like a bar of soap but do not contain soap at all.
Experts are divided as to whether it is beneficial to bathe regularly if you have eczema. Normal baths should be avoided, but bathing with the right soap products will help to remove scabs, prevent infection and help seal in moisture in preparation for the application of emollients.
posted by Madison @ 5:13 PM
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