If you have sensitive skin resulting from eczema and also use scented soap, you probably know that the combination can make you scratch and itch. This is largely due to the fact that some of the popular cleansing bars on the market today contain fragrances and chemicals that can trigger the telltale eczema and soap rash.
Some Eczema Facts
Maybe you find yourself itching and rubbing at raised red bumps or patches after you take a shower or a bath. Sometimes it can be difficult to know for sure if it could be caused by the heat of the hot water, since this can draw the moisture out of already dry skin, or if it could be an eczema and soap reaction that's to blame for this.
To help narrow in on the culprit, you might start by looking at your soap to determine if it contains anything that could be triggering the symptoms. Antibacterial soaps can be particularly harsh on sensitive skin, so most doctors will recommend steering away from this type of product, but many other types of soaps can also cause extreme discomfort in eczema sufferers, so you need to read labels before you use anything new or unusual.
The Eczema and Allergy Link
The latest research reveals that although eczema itself isn't an allergic reaction, most people are usually predisposed to this condition genetically, and those who suffer from allergies and asthma symptoms are also more likely to experience this skin discomfort.
Eczema Facts
Most eczema sufferers begin exhibiting this condition at a very young age, but about half will ultimately outgrow this problem before adulthood. If you're one of the unlucky ones, though, whose symptoms remain, you'll need to be especially vigilant about everything that touches your skin every single day.
Eczema and Soap: Treatment Matters
While you can't prevent eczema, you can avoid things that will trigger it, such as scented soaps and detergents and also those that contain chemicals. When you think something's causing a reaction, your best bet is to try eliminating it to see if the symptoms resolve or at least lessen in response. It may take some trial and error to narrow in on the root of your discomfort, but may popular soaps sold today can definitely be a potential cause worth looking at more closely.
Stop the Itch in Its Tracks
To treat the symptoms if they're more than you can bear, you can talk to your doctor about trying a topical corticosteroid cream to lessen the itch. Antihistamines can also help to make you feel more comfortable.
Just remember that managing eczema can be an ongoing task, but with some effort, you can ultimately feel better in your own skin.
Sources:
Coastal Allergy & Asthma, PC
http://coastalallergy.net/eczema-and-atopic-dermatitis
Kids Health/From Nemours
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/eczema_atopic_dermatitis.html#
