Good Skin Care Routines

• Use lotions and emollients -- lots of them!
• Avoid hot showers. They feel good while you're in them, but then dry your skin out, making the eczema worse.
• But do shower off dirt, sweat, and irritants that can cause flare-ups.
  
• Avoid rubbing you skin with washcloths and avoid excess use of soap.
• Avoid very alkaline soaps. I use Dove Sensitive Skin, which seems to be okay.
• If you can avoid soap, and use a cleanser, such as Cetaphil,
  
• Put lotion on immediately after showering, bathing, or swimming.
• Lukewarm baths may be better on your skin than showers.
• Oatmeal baths help soothe itching for some patients.
• Do not use lotions with artificial dyes or perfumes. Many also contain alcohol, which is drying. I have Lubriderm Sensitive Skin works for me.
• Wear loose, cotton clothing.
• Avoid triggers.
• Run a humidifier in the winter.