H Eczema Review

Continued from above...

Don't worry, though: eczema may be ugly and uncomfortable, but it's not contagious - you didn't catch it from someone and they can't catch it from you. However, atopic dermatitis can be hereditary. Genes combined with environmental triggers such as hay fever or food allergies can cause flare-ups. Emotional stress can cause flare-ups, too.

Contact dermatitis, which is another common type of eczema, has nothing to do with heredity and everything to do with what you've come into contact with. Regardless of which of the seven types of eczema you have, the question is how you can prevent it from showing up or managing it if you already have it. The answer is proper and consistent care of your skin.

Since there's no actual cure, the best you can do is to be nice to your skin by avoiding irritants and, well, stress. These are some of the common household products that are potential irritants:

• Fragrance in candles
• Laundry detergents and fabric softeners with certain chemical additives
• Some shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and body washes
• Surface cleaners and disinfectants
• Certain metals in jewelry
• Fabrics that irritate the skin

You can't really avoid all shampoos, soaps, and household cleaners, but you can choose ones with gentle ingredients. There are several products that cater to those with sensitive skin and allergies. Choose candles without fragrances or with natural fragrances. Try homemade cleaners and wear gloves. Avoid jewelry or wear jewelry made of materials that are easier on the skin. Be sure to avoid wool or polyester in your clothing and sheets. And, keep a log of what your own triggers are so you can remember to avoid them. In fact, the National Eczema Association has an app to help you document your symptoms and triggers.

There are three basic things you can do to keep your flares under control:

• Know your triggers and avoid them
• Maintain good bathing and moisturizing habits
• Use OTC creams and/or prescription medications as prescribed

There are a few types of OTC products for eczema or dermatitis. Lotions and moisturizers should contain ingredients such as aloe, ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, mineral oil, humectants, and/or parabens. Where your personal preference comes in, or your skin sensitivity, is if you want all-natural ingredients in your product or if you're fine with lab-created ingredients.

Antihistamines and pain relievers can help keep symptoms at bay, and may be used in conjunction with or separately from use of lotions, creams, and ointments. Topical hydrocortisone cream is a low-potency steroid and can help to reduce itching, inflammation, and irritation. Eczema-friendly, medicated shampoos may be helpful for dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) if they are fragrance-free and contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione. Sounds confusing? Let us help, as we've done the research for you.

When considering an over-the-counter topical product for eczema symptoms, keep the following in mind:

• Cost and volume. Sometimes a product with only an ounce or two can be costly. But if it works, it might be worth it.
• Selection. There are lotions which are thinner and go on nicely, thicker creams, and powerful ointments which might be a bit greasy.
• Return policy. Eczema probably won't go away in a matter of hours. So if there's a return policy, consider how much time you have to return it, and determine if you'll be reimbursed for shipping and handling as well.
• Return Policy. If the eczema product doesn't work for you, can you get your money back? How long do you have to try the product before deciding if it is helping you?

Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top over-the-counter products for eczema. We hope this information helps you find a product to relieve your skin from dryness, itching, irritation, or other annoying symptoms of eczema.