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Initial inflammation subsides and is replaced by a thickening of the epidermis.
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Scales appear as cell turnover increases.
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Itching and scratching leads to fissuring of the epidermis when the skin becomes broken and cracked.
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Incessant scratching may produce secondary thickening (lichenification).
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The skin is still very dry.
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Wear gloves to protect the skin on your hands. Wear vinyl or plastic gloves for work that requires you to put your hands in water. Also, wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate your skin. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to soak up the sweat from your hands. Take occasional breaks and remove your gloves to prevent a build-
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Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin. Most people with sensitive skin feel better in clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend.
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Care for your skin in the bath or shower. Bathe only with a mild soap, such as Dove, Basis, or Oil of Olay. Use a small amount of soap when bathing. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Soaking in the tub for a short time can be good for your skin because the skin's outer layer can absorb water and become less dry. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a soft towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing. Immediately after drying with the towel, apply a moisturizer lotion to your skin. It helps seal in the moisture.
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Use the medicine your doctor prescribes for you. When your eczema flares up (gets worse), use the medicine prescribed by your doctor. Put it on right after a bath or shower. The medicine for eczema is usually a steroid cream that you rub on your skin. Follow your doctor's directions for using this medicine or check the label for proper use. Call your doctor if your skin does not get better after three weeks of using the medicine every day.
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Use a moisturizer on your skin every day. Moisturizers help keep your skin soft and flexible. They prevent skin cracks. A plain moisturizer is best. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances (perfume) and a lot of extra ingredients. A good, cheap moisturizer is plain petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline). Use moisturizers that are more greasy than creamy, because creams usually have more preservatives in them. Regular use of a moisturizer can help prevent the dry skin that is common in winter.
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Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area. Try not to scratch the irritated area on your skin even if it itches. Scratching can break the skin. Bacteria can enter these breaks and cause infection.
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Avoid getting too hot and sweaty. Too much heat and sweat can make your skin more irritated and itchy. Try to avoid activities that make you hot and sweaty. If you exercise, try exercising in a cool room and wear light clothing so that you do not sweat so much.
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Learn how to manage stress in your life. Eczema can flare up when you are under stress. Learn how to recognize and cope with stress. Stress reduction techniques can help. Changing your activities to reduce daily stress can be helpful.
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Continue skin care even after your skin has healed. The area where you had the eczema may get irritated again, so it needs special care. Continue to follow the tips in this handout even after your eczema has healed.
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