### How to Care for Eczema-Damaged Skin Eczema can cause your skin to become cracked, scaly, and itchy, sometimes to the point of bleeding. To help your skin heal faster, it's important to moisturize and protect it. Here are some tips: #### Moisturizing - **Ointments**: Thick and greasy, they hold water in the skin and provide a barrier against irritants. Petroleum jelly is a common example. - **Creams**: Thick but less greasy than ointments. Be cautious as they may contain preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin. - **Lotions**: Thinner and contain more water, which evaporates quickly, making them less effective at keeping skin moist. Always test new moisturizers on a small patch of skin first. Apply moisturizers right after bathing and whenever your skin feels dry. For hand eczema, apply cream after washing hands and before bed, wearing cotton gloves to help absorption. #### Bathing - Take shorter showers (5-10 minutes) with lukewarm water. - Use gentle, scent- and dye-free cleansing products instead of soap. - Pat your skin dry gently and apply a thick cream or ointment immediately after. #### Preventing Infections If your skin breaks open, it can become infected. Watch for signs like redness, swelling, or pus. Consult your doctor for antibiotics or antifungal treatments if needed. #### Additional Tips - **Steroid Creams**: Hydrocortisone can reduce inflammation and itching. Stronger versions are available by prescription. - **Gloves**: Wear cotton gloves for dry tasks and powder-free vinyl or neoprene gloves for wet tasks. Avoid latex gloves. - **Dressings**: Apply a topical steroid and a thick cream, then cover with a wet bandage followed by a dry one. Avoid if you have an infection. - **Short Nails**: Keep nails trimmed to minimize skin damage from scratching. - **Antihistamines**: These can reduce itching. Older ones like Benadryl may cause drowsiness, while newer ones like Claritin and Zyrtec do not. If your skin continues to crack and blister despite these measures, consult your doctor for a tailored treatment plan.