Eczema - Living With It

Last Updated on Monday, 02 August 2010 10:51

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Living with Eczema

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
They should 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.
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.
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.
Bathing and showering are fine provided that a soap substitute such as an aqueous cream is used or a bath oil is added.
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.
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.
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.
Eating right, light activity, and adequate sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flares.