TIPS FOR DRY SKIN-(Eczema! Atopic Dermatitis)

• Bathe or shower with lukewarm water (hot water can cause your skin to lose moisture and become dry).
• Soaking 20 minutes in water often will help rehydrate your skin.
• Use unscented Dove soap (or none at all), because soap can be very drying.
• Moisturize your skin several times a day and remember that ointments are the best (followed in beneficial order by a creams and then lotion, which can actually be bad for your skin).
• Recommended moisturizers include Cetaphil, Eucerin, Aquaphor, Valli-cream. Vaseline is also useful. It is best to moisturize your skin immediately after a bath do not fully dry your body so that the water will be absorbed in your skin. Pat yourself dry, don't rub, and then apply Vaseline or ointment within a few minutes of stepping out of the bath.
• Use your moisturizer one to two (or more) times during the day.
• Try to avoid scratching your skin; this will only make you itch more.
• Antihistamines may help curb the itch.
• Soft natural fabrics such as 100% cotton or silk are the best for you, wools and other scratchy materials should be avoided.
• Mild soaps and detergents should be used for washing your clothes. A void bleach, softeners and dryer sheets. "All Clear" is a mild detergent.