Do you suffer with the skin condition?
Eczema is a genetically inherited, incurable skin condition that affects thousands of people, adults and children alike, across the UK. It is often an upsetting and frustrating condition that needs to be managed on a daily basis.
As we approach National Eczema Week, skin care experts E45 have teamed up with a dermatologist to share tips on how to best manage eczema with a daily emollient regime.
Using emollients for washing and moisturising are key to eczema management, not only do they replace lost moisture from the skin but also form a protective barrier.
E45 recommends a three step approach to ensure the best results when using emollients and creams.
- 1. Apply leave-on emollient all over the body 2-3 times a day
- 2. Use gentle downward strokes in the direction of the hair growth when applying emollients
- 3. Use soap substitutes when washing and bathing such as an emollient bath oil, or emollient wash.
Dermatologist and eczema specialist, Dr Tabi Leslie, says: “What many people don’t realise is that simple straight forward steps can make a big difference to your skin.
“Using a reasonably priced and trusted range of products, creams and emollients means you won’t feel like you need to scrimp on how much or how often you use the products. For best results apply liberally to dry skin and eczema areas.”
Emollient Guidelines
- Emollient creams should be put on as liberally and as frequently as possible even when the eczema seems better
- An adult with moderate eczema should expect to use around 550g of emollient a week, a child should expect to use at least 250g a week
- The best time to put on emollient is after a bath or shower when skin is moist and pores are open
- Avoid eczema triggers such as perfumed creams, biological washing powders, soap and bubble bath
Dr Leslie continues saying: “Eczema is a challenging condition not only for youngsters but also for adults, who due to busy lifestyles can leave the condition untreated. What they don’t realise is that relieving the symptoms with emollient products can easily be worked into a normal day-to-day routine.
“Eczema sufferers should get into a simple skincare regime firstly by replacing soaps and detergents with specially formulated emollient products.
"Perfumed body lotions should be replaced by non-greasy, dermatological products. These simple changes will help make skin feel softer and under control.”