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Avoiding Eczema-related Infections |
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Eczema is a skin condition with no known cure. Although it can be
unpleasant, unsightly and very uncomfortable, eczema is neither infectious
nor contagious. However, sometimes a case of eczema can become so severe
that secondary infections can result. Dryness is the greatest enemy of
eczema-prone skin. It can cause all symptoms to worsen. When the skin's
epidermal layer loses a large quantity of moisture, it creates an
environment in which the skin is succeptible to invasion from a number of
infections, some viral while others are bacterial.
Some examples of
secondary infections that can develop along with eczema include warts,
herpes simplex,viral molluscum, as well as staphylococcal and
streptococcal bacterial skin infections. Other secondary skin problems
that can arise as a result of the worsening of eczema include, but are not
limited to, papules, small raised rough bumps on the skin, crusting as
well as scaling of the skin, cheilitis, inflammation around the lip area,
and eyelids that darken greatly.
One of the simplest ways to
prevent eczema-related infection is to keep your skin well moisturized.
Use a gentle moisturizer for eczema-prone skin such as Aquaphor, Alpha
Keri, Eucerin, Curel, Lubriderm, Moisturel or Vaseline a minimum of twice
daily. Do not allow your skin to become parched. Moisturize it instead so
it never gets to the point of feeling arid. Hydrate yourself from the
inside as well. It is vital to drink six to eight glasses of purified
water daily. This will help flush your organs and safeguard against
infections.
Broken or cracked skin is an entryway for bacteria into
the skin. Avoid this by resisting the urge to scratch. Use cortisone cream
or extra moisturizer in case of itches. For added protection, keep your
fingernails short so you won’t be able to cause as much damage to your
skin if you do scratch. If you have a problem with scratching in your
sleep, consider investing in a pair of thin gloves and wearing them as you
sleep. If your skin does have cracks or breaks in it despite your best
efforts to prevent them, liberally apply antibiotic cream to them and, if
necessary, bandage the wounded area until it begins to heal.
Other
ways to help avoid eczema-related infections include using an
air-purification system in your home or workplace to filter out air
particles that could lead to flare-ups in your skin condition.
Additionally, use a humidifier in your home to keep moisture in the air
and thus not contribute to excessively drying out your skin. Increase your
dietary consumption of fatty fish such as sardines and salmon. Also
increase your intake of raw seeds such as flax seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Flax seed is also available in oil or powder form. These foods all contain
high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are an excellent for reducing
swelling in the skin. As much as possible,avoid consuming trans-fatty
acids in the form of hydrogenated oils as these tend to promote disease as
well as decreasing the immune system effectiveness.
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