Hello late again! I had to go to Inverness to take my car in also had a wander around the shops with mother in law. We just got back. For my blog today I thought I might continue with thoughts on eczema and tips for living with it. There are a number of things that you can do to help minimise the itching and discomfort. Of course I am not advocating that you should always self treat it may be necessary to consult the doctor but just some idea's that may be useful.
People with eczema should avoid contact with soap, detergents and other
irritants. This means wearing rubber gloves for household and wet work,
or cotton gloves when cleaning. Always providing that rubber gloves are not a trigger!
Avoid jobs or occupations that expose their skin to
irritants, such as hairdressing, catering, mechanical engineering and
perhaps nursing, especially if eczema affects the hands.
Reduce the population of house dust mites in the home by regular
dusting and vacuuming of carpets. Dust mite bed covers have benefitted
some eczema patients, and frequent airing and changing of bed linen
will help. I think that cotton sheets are a must here and organic cotton even better.
Bed clothes should be washed at 50 degrees C or more to kill dust mites
Old mattresses are more likely to harbour dust mites, as can old furry
toys. Shaking soft toys vigorously and placing them in a plastic bag in
the freezer for a few hours helps.
Some atopic eczema sufferers are sensitive to cat or dog fur and it
makes sense to avoid these pets if a family member suffers from atopic
eczema.
The use of make-up can irritate facial skin in a person with eczema and should be used sparingly and with care. I have been suffering from this myself recently when I bought some new foundation and have developed itchy dry patches. It was only when I was writing this blog that I put two and two together!
It is best to keep central heating turned down as low as possible as this can dry out the skin.
Cotton clothe are less irritating on eczema affected skin than wool or polyester. Well you know my opinion on this one!!
Bathing and showering are fine provided that a soap substitute such as an aqueous cream is used or a bath oil is added. I would also say not a perfumed oil. I use Snow White soap which I sell in the shop it is not at all drying.
Bubble bath should be avoided as it is a detergent.
The moisturizer that a person uses should be applied straight after a bath or shower, once the skin has been patted dry. Again avoid anything highly perfumed and full of additives.
Holidays in a warm climate can be beneficial as the skin receives more sunlight.
Although sunlight is usually helpful, atopic eczema may make the skin
more sensitive and cotton clothes and sunblock are advised to avoid
burning. One of the triggers when I had eczema on my hands was sun cream so be careful which one you use.
People with eczema can go swimming. Putting on an emollient or skin barrier before and after the swim reduces any irritation.
Avoid physical and mental stress. Easier said than done sometimes!
Eating properly, light activity and adequate sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flare ups.
So there you have it some idea's that may help. Don't forget that you can apply a good moisturiser/emollient as often as you like to keep your skin hydrated. I'm being called now for a glass of wine so goodbye for now.
Linda
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