How to Prevent Eczema from Infections

How to Prevent Eczema from Infections

by Evelyn Lim

Eczema is an unpleasant skin condition that does not have a cure. It is unsightly and uncomfortable, but it is not contagious or infectious. The bad thing is that it can become so severe that you can get a secondary infection. Dry skin can make eczema symptoms worse and then the dryness can allow the skin to be invaded by a viral or bacterial infection.

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 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.

Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the easiest ways to prevent skin infections from eczema. 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. Do not allow your skin to become dry or to the point of feeling dry and scaly. It is also important to hydrate yourself inside by drinking six to eight glasses of water a day. This helps to guard against infections by flushing out your organs.

If you have broken or cracked skin, then you have an open door for bacteria to come into your body through your skin. The way to prevent this is to try to keep from scratching. You may need to use extra moisturizer or hydrocortisone cream to help tame the itching. 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. An air purification system in your home or office can 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. 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.

Learning more about your eczema will help you to learn to live with it and help prevent infections.

About the author:
Evelyn Lim has been having eczema for more than 30 years. She shares on her journey about searching for eczema treatments. Read her site for her reviews on treatments and products to relieve that intense eczema itch http://www.eczemaskintreatment.com.