Coping with eczema

•  experiment with different washing powders/liquids until you find one that suits you - some may make your eczema worse

• wear PVC or cotton lined gloves when doing housework if cleaning materials aggravate your eczema
• avoid contact with substances that are known to cause skin reactions in susceptible people, such as nickel and rubber
• furry or feathered pets can aggravate eczema. If one or more family members has eczema, such pets are best avoided
• keep fingernails short and if necessary, wear cotton gloves or mittens at night to prevent scratching during sleep

Many people with eczema find that extremes of temperature can make their eczema worse. Over-heating is a particular problem, particularly at night. People with eczema should use cool, light bedding the droppings of the house-dust mite are known to aggravate eczema in some people.

These tiny creatures can be controlled by using specialist vacuum cleaners, bedding and bed covers. Frequent washing of bedding at high temperatures and use of hard flooring and damp dusting can help to minimise problems dietary management may be effective for a small percentage of people for whom food has been identified as a trigger factor. However, any changes to the diet should only be made under the supervision of a dietician or nutritional therapist, to avoid the risk of nutritional deficiencies developing and it is important to remember that diet is unlikely to be on the only factor involved the National Eczema Society can provide further information on these and other aspects of eczema.

Ten tips for coping with eczema

• Always make sure that you have your eczema properly dignosed before you start treating it. Eczema can look like many other conditions, some of which need quite different treatments.

• Don't despair. Eczema can be managed in most cases and almost everyone will be able to keep their eczema well controlled.

• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Use your emollients regularly, little but often is a good idea.

• Find a moisturiser that suits you. You may have to try quite a few until you find the right one for you, but it will be worth it because you will probably use it much more!

• Use an emollient oil in the bath, or the shower. If you can manage it, bath or shower once a day.

• Avoid soaps, bubble baths and harsh detergents. They can dry your skin out.

• Use topical steroids sensibly. If you are worried about using steroids then talk to your doctor or nurse. Many people are worried about using a steroid but if they are used properly and sensibly the risk of side effects to you or your child are small.

• Try not to scratch.....when you feel the urge to scratch try pinching, rubbing or lightly tapping the skin instead. Distraction works well too, try a book, or a video, do the ironing or the washing up. For children try toys and games.

• Keep cool. Feeling hot is a common problem for people with eczema. Wear cool clothing in thin layers so that you can keep your temperature constant more easily, keep your bedroom cool and use sheets and blankets that you can shed easily, rather than a duvet.

• If your eczema changes in any way, see your doctor.

For Further Information

The National Eczema Society

163 Eversholt Street,
London,
NW1 1BU

Information line: 020 7388 3444 (10am - 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1pm - 4pm Thursdays)

General enquiries tel: 020 7388 4097

Website: www.eczema.org 

 We are indebited to the National Eczema Society for their help in compiling this section.