Cream is the most important weapon against eczema. But which ointment should it be and what measures are also useful, especially in atopic dermatitis in such sensitive areas as the face or on the scalp? Our picture gallery shows what you can do yourself.
Creams
Atopic dermatitis often accompanies those affected for decades. The basis of treatment: cream at least morning and evening. Because the skin of neurodermatitis is particularly dry and thus tends to cracks and inflammation – even if just no epidemic of neurodermatitis plagues.
Problem areas on the neck, on the scalp and on the face
Especially in the head area, so under the hair, on the face and around the neck eczema is particularly distressing. Consistent care relieves the discomfort: with the appropriate products for basic treatment and an acute boost with medical ointments, lotions and creams.
Ointment with urea
The most important active substance in skin care products that is suitable for atopic dermatitis is urea (urea). Useful are remedies with at least two percent urea. Urea helps the skin to store more moisture. This is especially important for the dry skin of atopic dermatitis.
Important active ingredients in atopic dermatitis
In case of atopic dermatitis, the doctor prescribes ointments and lotions with additional active ingredients to inhibit the inflammation. This includes, for example, cortisone. In addition, there are still over-the-counter products with St. John’s wort and vegetable tannins. They have a mitigating effect on the inflammation. Also zinc preparations for cream are useful in many cases.
Showering or bathing?
Daily showering is less recommended for neurodermatitis. The skin dries out additionally.
Better in the bath
Useful are baths . Do not immerse your bath in the tub for the first few minutes and clean your skin with clear water. Then pour some perfume-free care oil into the bath water. These do not have to be expensive special products, for example, olive oil has proven itself. The oil moisturizes and helps the skin not to dry out.
Soft towel
Dry gently after bathing. Use soft bath towels. Do without scratching – this could unnecessarily irritate and injure the skin.
Apply from head to toe
Creaming at least once daily from top to bottom is mandatory for anyone with eczema. A moistened skin is less prone to new flare-ups and at least partially affects the severity of any eczema attack.
Envelope with ointments
The atopic dermatitis shows again with strong itching and skin inflammation in the arm and back of the knees, greasy envelopes help overnight. Apply thick cream on the affected areas and cover with a damp cloth. Wrap over, but not too tightly, a dry cotton cloth. In this way, the cream can be particularly intense.
Black tea soothes the skin
It is also worth trying not to soak the cloth with water, but with cold, black tea. The tannins of the tea support skin healing.
Salt in a wet envelope
Likewise, salt water is suitable for the fat-moist envelope. Salt disinfects and helps to heal. In addition, it can relieve itching.
Do not give itch
Those affected agree: itching is the most agonizing symptom of atopic dermatitis. But please never scratch if possible – even if it is unbearable. Scratching makes the inflammation only worse and possibly drives germs into the tiny skin cracks, which intensifies the entire symptomatology.
Rub and knead instead of scratch
What is better, if the itching is no longer bearable: rub gently over the skin or knead the affected area a bit.
Cold against the itching
Try to counteract the effects of particularly intense itching with cold: Well-suited reusable cooling pads, which do not cool as intense as for example ice cubes, but have a long-lasting effect.
Cut nails short
Cut your nails short and file them around. Then at least there are no bad scratches if you can not resist the itching.
Wear gloves at night
When the itching comes at night, everyone scratches himself reflexively in his sleep. Lightweight cotton gloves that you wear while sleeping prevent the skin from being injured.
Perfume and additives? D rather not!
Most people who have eczema do not tolerate additives in cosmetics. Above all, fragrances are a problem. For perfumed cosmetics and fragrances, neurodermatitis should therefore be more cautious and, if possible, avoid altogether.
