INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Hot water baths and showers can help promote dryness and skin irritation because the higher temperature water is more effective at removing the natural oils that protect your skin. As such, cool or lukewarm baths and showers are a better idea for eczema. Spending at least 15 minutes in a cool bath on a regular basis can actually help to hydrate your skin because the skin is quite absorbent. However, hot baths tend to pull water from your skin, especially if you use bath salts.  An Epsom salt bath is usually not recommended for eczema (despite its antiseptic benefits) because it draws water out of the skin. Buy a shower nozzle filter that filters out chemicals that can irritate the skin, such as chlorine and nitrites. Regular soap can dry out and irritate the skin of some people with eczema, so select soap with natural ingredients that are fragrance-free and contains natural moisturizers (vitamin E, olive oil, aloe vera). Hypoallergenic cleansers formulated for sensitive skin (Neutrogena, Aveeno) are also a good idea for those with eczema as they can be less drying. Remember to never scrub your skin too vigorously with a washcloth or loofa when cleaning your eczema skin.  In fact, some detergents, household chemicals and compounds found in soaps, shampoos, cosmetic products, and perfumes are known to trigger dyshidrotic eczema — similar to triggering an allergic reaction.  To be on the safe side, always wear protective gloves when using household cleaners so that your skin does not contact or absorb any chemicals. Remember to wash your clothes in irritant-free detergents and fabric softeners to avoid any residue that could hurt your skin. For inflamed skin and blisters to heal properly, especially any open sores or blisters, avoid scratching your eczema skin. Friction and pressure from scratching will worsen your condition and cause additional skin inflammation and redness. It will also increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.  Be sure to keep your nails cut short to avoid breaking blisters if you unconsciously scratch yourself. Consider wearing thin cotton gloves and/or socks to prevent from scratching the skin in those locations.

SUMMARY: Reduce the temperature of your baths and showers to prevent dryness. Use gentle soaps and natural cleaning products. Avoid scratching your skin.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This might seem obvious, but it is such a vital prerequisite that it is well worth mentioning. You will be able to convince the producers that you are perfect for the show only if you can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of what happens on the show and what it takes to do it. While there are not too many restrictions, there are some basic requirements concerning age, citizenship, and physical condition.  Both you and your teammate must be 21 years of age or older by the start of the next season's filming. Both you and your teammate must be U.S. citizens with valid U.S. passports and valid U.S. drivers licenses. You must also be living in the United States. You and your teammate must not be connected to the producers or affiliates of the show. This includes employers, employees, and relatives of employees/employers. You and your teammate must be physically and mentally fit. You must be willing to have a background check performed, and you must be willing to complete a medical history if chosen as a semi-finalist. If chosen as a semi-finalist, you must be willing to take physical and psychological examinations. You or your teammate cannot be a candidate for public office until after the initial airing of any episodes in which they make an appearance. There are some character traits and qualities that are not strictly essential, but you should be able to demonstrate them during your audition if you hope to get put on the show. You should be strong-willed, outgoing, adventurous, physically adept, mentally adept, adaptable to new environments, and have an overall interesting lifestyle, background, and personality. You need to apply to the show with a specific teammate. Choose someone you know well so that your interactions are more vivid and the relationship appears stronger.  You should not be shy or hesitant to talk about relationships openly and in public. This is a show heavily focused on relationships, so a willingness to be open about relationships and other people is important. In general, someone you have a strong bond with and have known for years would be preferable to someone who you are only faintly acquainted with. A sibling, close cousin, parent, child, close friend, spouse, lover, or ex-lover would be a better choice in most cases than a co-worker or a neighbor you happen to greet every so often. Your relationship does not need to be perfect, but in order to make it through the challenges you will face, you should choose someone you can work together with. Online applications are accepted year-round, but if you hope to be on the show during a certain season, you will need to pay attention to when the deadlines are for that season.  Casting calls usually begin 8 to 12 months before the projected airing date for the season, and roughly 4 to 6 months before the race is filmed. Open casting calls for a given season usually last 1 or 2 months.

SUMMARY:
Watch the show. Know the basic eligibility requirements. Ask yourself if you have what it takes. Grab a partner. Note any deadlines.