Eczema is an unpleasant skin condition that unfortunately does not have a cure. Yet there are millions nowadays who report that they are suffering from this type of skin disorder. Eczema is unsightly and uncomfortable, but it is not contagious or infectious. The awful part is that it can become so severe that you can get a secondary infection. Dry skin can cause you to scratch and allow your skin to be invaded by a viral or bacterial infection especially through the open wounds.
Herpes simplex, viral molluscum, and warts are a few of the secondary infections that eczema sufferers may get, as well as bacterial infections like staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. There are also other skin problems that can develop from eczema getting worse, including crusting or scaling of the skin, cheilitis (inflammation around the lip area), papules (small, raised, rough bumps on the skin), and darkened eyelids.
Preventing your skin from becoming too dry helps you to stop scratching and hence, prevent you from introducing infections into your body. Some gentle moisturizers that I recommend are Lubriderm, Moisturel, Aquaphor, Alpha Keri, Eucerin, Curel, or even Vaseline two times a day or even more often if needed. Check with your physician to see what he or she recommends as well.
You should also keep yourself hydrated from the inside by drinking six to eight glasses of water a day. This helps to guard against infections by flushing out toxins from your body.
Cutting your fingernails to a short length will also help, because you this will prevent you from causing much damage. If you find that you scratch at night while you sleep, then you may want to find a pair of thin gloves and wear them while you sleep so that you cannot damage your skin. If, despite all your efforts, you still have cracks or breaks in your skin, then you need to apply an antibiotic cream to the area and bandage it until it starts healing.
There are other ways to help prevent eczema related infections, too. You can install an an air purification system in your home or office to filter out many of the allergens that can cause a flare-up of your eczema. A humidifier can add moisture to the air and keep your skin moist, too.
Diet also plays an important role in your fight against infections. Adding fatty fish, like sardines and salmon, can also help, as well as adding flax seed in powder or oil form. These foods have omega-3 acids in them, which help remove swelling in the skin. Avoid hydrogenated oils as much as possible because they can decrease your immune system and promote disease.
