Baking Soda Baths Provide Soothing Relief For Eczema Symptoms
Baking soda baths can be very soothing for people with eczema. Some people add oatmeal to their baking soda baths for added comfort. It is important for people with eczema and other dry skin conditions to take short baths that are not too hot. One of the best things about baking soda baths is that they are gentle enough to use for children who suffer from eczema. Some parents put the baking soda in a sock, tie a knot in it and place it in lukewarm bathwater while the water is still running.
It is better for people who have eczema to take their baking soda bath at least one hour before bedtime. The skin is too warm immediately after bathing to get into a warm bed because that could increase the chances of skin becoming itchy. Any person who suffers from eczema should avoid alkaline soaps or any type of bath or grooming products that contain fragrances. Some people with eczema use baking soda under their arms instead of commercial deodorants because baking soda absorbs moisture without irritating dry or sensitive skin.
After taking a baking soda bath, you should immediately apply some type of lubricant to the entire skin surface while the skin is still moist. Make sure the lubricant is fragrance free and that it does not contain irritating chemicals. Vaseline, vegetable oils or products containing urea are best for moisturizing the skin. It is best to avoid lanolin or any lotion that contains strong medications unless it has been prescribed by your doctor.
In addition to baking soda baths, people with eczema should have cold-air humidifiers in their bedroom to keep skin from becoming dry and irritated overnight. If you do not have a humidifier then you should place shallow pans of water near radiators to add humidity. Anything you can do to add moisture to the air will help. When skin becomes dry and itchy at night, people are more likely to scratch excessively and this will only make eczema or any other skin problem worse.
People with eczema should sleep in clothes that are made of natural fibers such as cotton. Sheets, pillowcases and blankets should also be made of natural breathable fabrics which contain absolutely no synthetic fibers. Never wash your linens in laundry detergents that contain powerful soaps, fragrances or strong chemicals. To be on the safe side, always double rinse your laundry to be certain that the detergent rinses completely out and won’t come in contact with your skin.
If you suffer from annoying eczema symptoms, a baking soda bath is certainly worth trying. Many eczema sufferers have made baking soda baths a regular part of their treatment plan.
Glossary:
Urea: A substance found in some creams and lotions that seals moisture into the skin.