Common treatments for people with eczema require moisturization of skin and use of medications, if necessary. Treatment is usually based on a person's age, health, medical history as well as type and severity of eczema. Possible treatments consist of:

- lotions and creams: These products are applied directly on skin to keep in as much moisture as possible. Using organic lotions and creams may be a good alternative to non-organic moisturizers since non-organic moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals that may cause an outbreak. Moisturizing skin after showering helps lock in moisture. - medications such as topical steroids, oral steroids, and topical immunomodulators: Prescription and non-prescription corticosteroids come in form of creams and ointments that can be applied to skin. Prescription corticosteroids are more potent than non-prescription ointments but both have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time. Oral steroids are usually prescribed for severe outbreaks. Topical immunomodulators do not contain steroids and are available by prescription to treat atopic eczema.

Other tips that may help people with eczema improve skin's condition include:

- keeping nails short - avoiding sudden changes in temperatures (e.g. going from cold environments to hot environments) - relaxing to reduce stress

References:

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl - www.eczema.org - www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl - www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl

It’s also important to consider skin types when choosing proper sunscreen.

For young children (6 months and up) : Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect against both sun tanning and burning. Look for a product that offers UVA and UVB protection. This is known as “broad-spectrum”.

For Very Fair Skin: This type of skin burns quickly. Look for a sunscreen containing SPF 20 to 30.

For Fair Skin: This type of skin burns fairly easily but some tanning occurs. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 8 to 12.

For Medium Skin: This type of skin yields a moderate brown shade when exposed to sun. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 4 to 8.

For Dark Skin: This type of skin rarely burns. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 2 to 4.

After choosing an appropriate sunscreen, apply it before going out into sun. Be sure and apply it generously over all skin that will be exposed.

Taking good care of your skin now will give you great-looking skin well into future.

P.S. Your skin is your number one defense mechanism against environmental elements. Exercise, rest, and good nutrition are foundation for beautiful, healthy skin.