I have very dry skin, which peels with miniature blisters and itches.

Question

Hello, since I gave birth in February I have eczema on my hands and I can't get rid of it despite the application of a cortisone cream (0.25%). I would like to know what type of soap/cream could help between the application of cortisone please? Also, I am not consistent in applying cortisone, what would be the appropriate treatment? Thank you for your help!

Amal El aliti · Accepted Answer

Hello, Some factors can contribute to the onset of eczema flare-ups, including Cold or dry air; Sweating; Stress or anxiety; Rapid changes in temperature; Exposure to certain chemicals (soap, detergent, perfume) Because eczema is a chronic disease, symptoms can worsen and then periodically improve. To reduce the intensity of itching and prevent future flare-ups, it is important to keep the skin moisturized. Here are some tips: Avoid triggers; Keep fingernails short and clean, and wear cotton gloves when necessary to prevent scratching and secondary infections; Take short warm water baths using a small amount of mild soap (e.g. Cetaphil) to relieve itching; Bath products (oils and others) have not been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms. Long, hot baths should be avoided as they tend to dry out the skin. Bath salts should also be avoided. Apply a thick moisturizer (e.g., Cerave) or ointment (e.g., Vaseline) generously to the entire skin at least twice a day, ideally right after bathing; Apply a moist cotton pad (e.g., gauze) to the affected area for a few days, changing the pad every eight hours. Cortisone cream should normally be applied for a maximum of 3 weeks, after which it should be taken off for a week. It is not recommended to use cortisone creams all the time, but rather to prevent it by using the measures mentioned above. If this does not work, you should consult for another type of treatment (higher strength cortisone cream).