Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, inflamed skin with small bumps or thickened scales. The condition is widespread in people who have compromised immune systems and is particularly common among aging individuals. Living with eczema can be uncomfortable, hence, it’s critical to find ways to control and prevent them from flaring up. Here are some ways to manage eczema in seniors.
Avoid Triggers
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of factors. You should take notes to find out what is causing your eczema. You may get allergic reactions to pollen, eggs, or milk. It’s important to identify any sensitivities that you may have and ensure that you avoid them. Stress can also be a trigger so try to stay relaxed and calm as much as possible.
You may need help from your family members in avoiding these triggers as well as preparing meals that are appropriate for your diet. Alternatively, you can also choose to stay in a retirement community where you can get help with meal preparations tailored to your needs.
Apply Soothing Cream
A medicated cream is among the most effective remedies for an eczema attack. You can ask your doctor about a calcineurin inhibitor cream whose purpose is to calm the skin and prevent an eczema attack from getting worse. As this cream can only be applied for a short period, they are frequently used to stop an eczema attack before searching for other treatments.
Take Immunosuppressive Medication
As eczema is caused by an overactive immune system, one treatment option is to take a drug that calms down the immune system. Cyclosporine and methotrexate are all common choices. Some of these drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hence, they could be beneficial to other aging individuals in multiple ways. Immunosuppressants have a greater risk of making you sick, so these medications may not be appropriate for everyone.
Try Light Therapy
For individuals who don’t respond to pharmaceutical lotions, you may benefit from light therapy. This sort of therapy is exposing your skin to UV rays. You can use a lightbox to simulate UV rays or spend a few minutes each day under the sun. Consistency is essential when trying light therapy as consistent light exposure can take a month or two to start lowering the intensity of an eczema breakout.
Be Gentle to Skin
Eczema often occurs following skin irritation, so even if you are not having an eczema episode, you should be very careful with your skin. Excessively hot water, perfumed soaps, and detergents with fragrance should be avoided. You should always ensure that your skin is clean and dry well after showering before applying a fragrance-free moisturizer. As dry skin can exacerbate eczema, some may benefit from using a humidifier.
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