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Make this my homepageTaking control of dry skin and eczema
Everyone has their own way of managing eczema and dry skin but most eczema management strategies look something like this:
Eczema management - the basics
- Avoid triggers when possible (Click here for more information on triggers)
- Liberal daily use of your/your childs favourite emollients, even when skin appears back to normal (Click here for more information on emollients)
- If itching is a problem use an itch relief cream
- Use steroid creams as specified by your healthcare professional
- Keep hydrated: try to drink eight glasses of water a day
- Stick to your management strategy and stay positive
Getting up to scratch with itch relief creams
Eczema can cause intense itching. It is natural to want to scratch when your skin itches but scratching releases histamine - a chemical that makes the skin even itchier. So, the more you scratch, the more you itch! This is referred to as 'the itch-scratch cycle'.
If itchy skin is a problem for you, your healthcare professional may recommend an itch relief cream which both calms the itch and gently moisturises the skin.
The most important thing is to try not to scratch. Instead, gently pinch or pat the itchy area, put something cold on it or distract yourself with another activity.
Controlling flare-ups with steroid creams
No matter how careful you are, eczema can flare up. Steroid creams can be effective in controlling flare-ups quickly. Consult your doctor for advice on usage of steroid creams.
If flare-ups are frequent, check the following:
- Are you using emollients enough?
- Is there an unidentified trigger?
- Could it be a sign of infection?
If in doubt, visit your doctor.
Complementary therapies
Some people find complementary therapies and relaxation techniques are a helpful addition to their skin care routine.
Each therapy differs from the next and it is important to find a trained, registered practitioner. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another, so it's worth exploring the alternatives until you find what suits you. Let your doctor know if you are starting a new treatment and remember to continue your regular emollient routine.
Talking can help too
As well as your healthcare professional, talking to other people who suffer from dry skin and eczema can help, too. They will understand the practicalities of living with it can be enormously supportive. Get in touch with the National Eczema Society or a similar support group to find fellow sufferers:
National Eczema Society Eczema Helpline:
Tel: 0800 089 1122
Email: helpline@eczema.org
Web: www.eczema.org
