Top Tips for Dealing with Eczema

Top Tips for Dealing with Eczema

Are you suffering from dry, itchy skin, red in colour, and incredibly uncomfortable? Eczema can be extremely unpleasant and irritating. It is estimated to affect around 15 million people in the UK, sometimes as an allergic reaction found in people who suffer from asthma and hay fever. To find out what exactly causes eczema, and how we can treat it, I spoke to the doctors from The Online Clinic.

Dr Elizabeth Kershaw-Yates explained that eczema comes in many forms, and has many different names. It can start in childhood and can even be severe enough to require hospital care. However, most of it can be managed by a GP. If you suspect that you have eczema be sure to go and see a GP to get a proper diagnosis and advice on what to do next.

Tips for Soothing the Symptoms

Ditch the Soap

Soap is the biggest enemy of eczema. It can irritate and inflame the skin. If you’re trying to soothe your eczema try switching your soap products to an emollient (moisturiser). This will ensure that your skin stays hydrated. These emollients can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacist.

Try a natural home remedy

Sometimes the best treatment is an easy home remedy. An simple method to try and soothe your skin is to fill an old pair of tights with porridge oats and gently soak it in the bath with you. This is a great substitute for bath oils and soaps and is less likely to irritate. This is also great option to use with young children, as their skin tends to be more sensitive.

However, stubborn patches of eczema will require steroid cream which needs to be prescribed. If the patch is weeping, this could be a sign of infection so be sure to see a doctor ASAP so you can get the right treatment.

Pay attention to your environment

Environmental factors can play a huge role in causing the disease. Try to keep track of what you are using on your skin to try and understand what is causing irritation. It could be dietary factors, washing powder, or even perfumed moisturisers. It can be difficult to know what exactly is causing your eczema so try to watch the products you are using.

Most of children with it will grow out of it, even in the most severe form. And in adults, most eczema sufferers can lead a normal life by making just a few small adjustments to their lifestyle and using the right amount of emollients and moisturisers.