Treating Eczema

To improve dry skin caused by eczema, use appropriate soaps, moisturize, reduce skin contact temperature, avoid rubbing, use cold compresses, and consider natural products.

According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thi Quy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, eczema is a chronic skin inflammation that can flare up when exposed to environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema characterized by dry, scaly, itchy and ulcerated skin.

Severe dry skin can be painful, itchy, or scaly. The redness gets worse, and the skin starts to crust and flake. The person may also experience increased skin pigmentation, cracks in the skin, difficulty sleeping at night due to intense itching, or dry skin that becomes infected with pus, blisters, odor, or pain.

If your dry skin is uncomfortable but not affecting your daily life and there are 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 your doctor, according to Dr. Quy.

Use the right soap

Bathing with harsh soaps or strong perfumes can cause severe skin irritation. To keep your skin's base layer moisturized, use mild soaps with a neutral pH.

Take time to moisturize

Moisturize immediately after bathing or showering. When choosing a moisturizer, look for one that is free of fragrances, perfumes, and dyes. Ointments and creams are better than lotions because they contain more oil.

Reduce skin contact temperature

Use warm water instead of hot water, which can disrupt your skin's natural moisture balance. Try to limit your shower time to no more than 10 minutes. Consider using a humidifier in your home or office.

Pat gently, avoid rubbing

Avoid rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel or sponge while you are in the shower. When drying yourself with a towel, try to pat or blot your skin dry so that it remains moist.

Use cold compresses

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

To make your own cold compress, put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag, rinse a washcloth under cold water, then wrap a damp towel around the ice pack 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 hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation.

Aloe vera

Often used in gel form to soothe sunburned skin, aloe vera contains polysaccharides that stimulate cell growth, healing dry, irritated skin.

Oatmeal

Soak in an oatmeal bath to soothe dry, irritated skin.

However, according to Dr. Quy, if the skin becomes severely dry, home treatments do not improve or symptoms become more severe, you should see a specialist for examination and treatment.

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