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Eczema can’t be cured but many of its symptoms can be managed, and some flare-ups can even be prevented.
The Simple Life
Follow these few simple rules to help control the symptoms of eczema and minimise flare-ups:
- Moisturise: a very important part of your skincare regime. Apply whenever your skin feels dry and use a non-perfumed product.
- Wash: using a soap substitute. Avoid bubble baths, shower gels and detergents.
- Wear gloves: protect your hands if you’re likely to come into contact with irritants - especially at work.
- Shower after swimming: wash thoroughly and apply lots of moisturiser afterwards.
- Clothing: choose soft breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid putting wool next to the skin.
- Scratching: avoid if at all possible. It will make you feel itchier and can cause infection.
- Cold sores: avoid close contact with someone with an active cold sore.
- Pets: avoid animals you have an allergic reaction to.
Allergies
Britain has the highest rate of allergy in Europe, which could explain why atopic eczema cases have increased up to five fold in recent years. People with atopic eczema are more sensitive to allergens in the environment. Flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of causes including food, pets, house dust mites, pollen and latex in rubber items.
You need to identify your ‘triggers’ to avoid them and minimise flare-ups. Keep an eczema diary to help you identify and limit the impact of
common allergens.
Allergen |
Reaction |
Action |
House dust mites |
Immediate skin inflammation, hay fever, asthma |
Keep house as free from dust as possible – especially in living room and bedroom |
Food |
Swollen lips, immediate irritation inside the mouth but rarely eczema itself |
Keep a food diary to identify foods you are allergic to and to avoid (often eggs, fish, dairy, nuts or wheat) |
Natural rubber latex |
Immediate itching and swelling at the site of skin contact |
Thoroughly clean your skin, avoid future contact with rubber items and mention to your doctor |
Irritants
Household cleaning products can act as an irritant for many people. They damage the skin directly and strip it of natural oils. Look after yourself by wearing protective gloves when cleaning and doing household chores. Avoid household and personal hygiene products containing detergents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). |
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