6 ways to get rid of eczema and relieve your skin

It's unpleasant, unpredictable and agonizingly itchy. Get rid of eczema and its symptoms by adopting these effective lifestyle changes.

When it comes to preventing eczema flare-ups, the most important thing you can do is identify your triggers and eliminate them from your home. Fragranced products, such as perfumes, soaps and body lotions, often aggravate eczema, so it is a wise idea to eliminate these products from your personal grooming routine. Other common triggers include dust mites, household cleaning products and pet dander.

Sudden temperature changes are a known cause of eczema flare-ups. While it is impossible to control the conditions outside, you can manage the temperature inside of your home. Making lifestyle changes, such as turning on the air conditioning to reduce the humidity or using humidifiers to add moisture to dry air, can help you to avoid temperature-induced eczema.

Natural fabrics, such as cotton and silk, will feel more comfortable than synthetic fibers as they will allow your skin to breathe, preventing overheating. Before wearing new clothing, pre-wash it in a mild, unscented detergent to remove potential irritants, such as colour preservatives and loose dyes.

Stress in itself doesn't always trigger eczema, but it may make you more prone to scratching at your skin. Scratching can then worsen the itching, which creates an itch-scratch cycle that is hard to treat.

The best solution to the problem is to use relaxation techniques to reduce your stress levels. Deep breathing, meditation and regular exercise can all help to keep stress at bay.

Moisturizing daily is one of the best ways to get rid of patches of eczema. For effective results, use an unscented moisturizer that is free from harsh chemicals and skin-irritating additives. Thicker products, branded as ointments and creams, will provide your skin with the highest level of protection.

If lifestyle changes alone fail to resolve your eczema, visit your doctor. He or she may suggest medications to help ease your discomfort. Medications most commonly used to treat eczema include emollients, which keep your skin moist and corticosteroids, which reduce skin swelling and redness.

Test these solutions, and stick with whatever works in helping you get rid of eczema and bring some relief to your skin.