Let’s talk about Excema again.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for excema, but it can be treated!
I recommend seeing a doctor at first sign of excema, because they can often spot which type of excema that you have.
There are many topicals that can be applied to the skin to help reduce flare ups of excema.
Emollients, there are so many out there and you just have to test them to see which one works best for you.
Ointments, creams and lotions. They help to retain the skin’s water loss. Emollients create a barrier around skin sealing in water, especially after a shower/bath. That is why it is very important to apply emollients immediately after contact with water, at least within three minutes.
It is best to apply emollients to the affected area every hour or at least 3-4 times a day!
Lotions are light moisturizers and have more water contain in them, good for hairy areas and absorb fast if time is short.
Creams are heavier moisturizers and have more fat than water, good for moderate to severe excema.
Ointments are really heavy moisturizers and do not contain water so they do not have preservatives. Ointments are good to use at nighttime when a heavier moisturizer is usually needed, especially since they are thicker and greasy. Ointments should not be used on wet weeping excema though, use a cream instead.
Bath oils can also be used in the warm, not hot, bath to make the water more moisturizing and less irritating. Bath oils can also be applied before a shower/bath. Or bath oils can be apply after showering/bathing, apply to soaking wet skin. Then dry off, don’t rub skin, dab the skin dry and apply your emollient.
When applying emollients be gentle and apply in the growth of hair. Apply generously and often throughout the day. Every time you wash your hands apply emollients.
There are also topical steroids that can treat excema. Consult your doctor for which steroids to buy over the counter or a prescription. When using steroids creams wait an 30 minutes-hour before applying your emollient. You can apply the emollient first and then the steroid cream the order doesn’t matter. But you must wait in between the two so the steroid cream is able to work at its’ full potential, for the emollient will dilute the steroid if you don’t wait. Remember to use the steroid cream to treat the flare up and then stop using the steroid cream and just use emollients. Side-effects from steroids usually only occur when using high potent prescription steroids for long period of times.
Hydrocortisone 1% steroid cream is considered a mild potent steroid cream. After 3-7 days and there is no decrease in the flare up then a stronger prescription is recommended.
Using a mild steroid and stronger one can also work. After 14 days the flare up should be gone and then continue using the emollients everyday. Using this combo every so often when a flare up happens can work. What also can work on mild to moderate excema is a high potent steroid cream, use for 3 days, this short term contact can be more effective than a mild steroid treatment.
Make sure you are applying the right dose of steroid cream to the affected area! Many people under or over apply steroid cream for fear of steroid creams side effects! Read the directions carefully and consult your doctor.
Good Luck!
Don’t forget to apply your lotions!
wonders.
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