Eczema - coping tips

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition with symptoms that include dry, itching and reddened skin patches. There is no cure, but the condition can be managed. Treatment options include emollients (moisturisers), topical steroids (medicated creams) and oral antihistamines.

Most people with eczema find that their symptoms are worsened by common aspects of daily living, such as weather, household chemicals and stress. The following suggestions may help you to better manage your eczema and reduce the incidence of flare-ups. Always see your doctor or dermatologist for further information and advice.

Good hygiene is important
Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections including impetigo, cold sores and warts. It is thought that the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus can not only cause a secondary infection of impetigo, but also contribute to the symptoms of eczema. Suggestions for washing include:

• Take lukewarm baths or showers – baths are preferable.
• Don’t use soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream, as effective and gentle alternatives.
• Bath oils can help to moisturise the skin while bathing.
• Do not wash the hair in the bath as shampoo will irritate eczema on the skin.
• Even the use of warm water alone, without any added soap or cleansing agent, is enough in most cases.
• When towelling dry, pat rather than rub.

• Avoid overheating the skin; for example, wear several layers of clothing that you can remove instead of one heavy layer, and don’t put too many blankets on your bed. Avoid doonas.
• Don’t use perfumed bubble bath or ‘medicated’ bath products.
• Do not wash your hair in the bath.
• Wear soft, smooth materials next to your skin, preferably 100 per cent cotton. Avoid scratchy materials like pure wool, polyester or acrylic. You could try a cotton and synthetic mix material – this is fine for some people with eczema. Remove labels from clothing.
• Some laundry detergents or fabric conditioners can lead to skin irritation. Rinse clothes thoroughly after washing.
• Always wear protective gloves when using any type of chemical or detergent. You might want to use cotton gloves inside the rubber or PVC gloves.
• Avoid chlorinated pools. If you really want to swim in a chlorinated pool, slather your skin beforehand with a waterproof barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

• Remember that even hypoallergenic cosmetics can irritate your skin. Whenever possible, keep your face free of make-up.
• Avoid perfumes, fragranced skin lotions and strongly scented shampoos.
• When using a new cosmetic, try testing it first on a small, inconspicuous area of skin like your forearm. If you experience a reaction, don’t use the product at all.

• House dust mites
• Moulds
• Grass pollens.

• In winter, don’t overheat your house. Dress warmly when going outdoors and remove the extra layers as soon as you return.
• In summer, don’t overcool your house. Air-conditioners can dry out the air and irritate your skin.
• Avoid hard physical activity in hot weather. For example, do your gardening first thing in the morning, or in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.

• Meditation
• Regular exercise
• Yoga
• ‘Losing yourself’ in favourite hobbies or interests
• Cognitive behaviour therapy.

• Keep your fingernails short – longer nails are more likely to injure your skin when you scratch.
• A well-ventilated house reduces the risk of mould and damp.
• If the water in your area is ‘hard’ (full of minerals) or alkaline, consider installing a water-softening device.
• Have a regular swim in the sea in warm weather whenever you can – seawater is known to reduce the symptoms of eczema.
• Limited sun exposure – for example, when swimming at the beach – can help relieve eczema symptoms. However, be aware that ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin. If sun exposure causes overheating, it can also aggravate eczema so don’t overdo it.

• Your doctor
• Dermatologist
• Eczema Association of Australasia Tel. 1300 300 182 or (07) 3821 3297

• Eczema is a type of inflammatory skin condition with symptoms including dry, itching and reddened skin patches.
• Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections including impetigo, cold sores and warts.
• Avoiding environmental triggers and stress management are helpful in the management of chronic eczema.

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