Not a lot of people know this but it is National Eczema Awareness Week in Ireland this week, as organised by the Irish Eczema Society and supported by sensitive skin specialist La Roche-Posay.
Eczema is a skin condition that affects all ages and often causes red and itchy rashes. It affects all areas of the body including the face.
While there’s not a great deal you can do to about it, there are some things that you can do to reduce the effects.
- Practise good hygiene: As with any skin condition, it is important to cleanse the area but only when necessary. That means have a lukewarm shower or bath. Baths tend to be better because they help to ease and moisturise the skin. As if anybody really needs an excuse for a nice relaxing bath! But beware as washing unnecessarily can cause the skin to dry out too.
- Be wise about products: It is important to use products that will not irritate your skin. That means hypoallergenic, non-perfumed products. Natural products and oil-based moisturising products are great for eczema. La Roche-Posay have a number of products aimed at those suffering from eczema.Also, when you are using detergents and cleaning products, you should use gloves and cover up affected areas.
- Regulate your temperature: Extreme temperatures are to be avoided if possible. Both the heat and the cold will cause the skin condition to flare up. That’s why it is best to wear a number of light layers so that you can peel off and put on as is necessary. Resist the temptation at this time of the year to fire up the heating in your house. Having a hot chocolate is okay though!
- Wear the right clothes: Wear materials that are soft and relatively loose against the skin. Cotton is the best material to go for when it comes to clothing because it lets the skin breathe and isn’t too heavy. Not sure you have anything that will do? Oh well, you’ll just have to go shopping then!
- Take it easy: One of the main things that can aggravate eczema is stress. It is important, as with any condition, that you take time out to relax and de-stress. There are a number of things you can do to manage your anxiety levels. Why not take a bath, read a book or just lie on your bed for a few moments? It can make all the difference.
A dip in the bath: good to ease eczema and de-stress.
Everybody is different which means different measures will work for different people. Unfortunately it’s just a case of finding out what suits you and remember, if you have any concerns, it is important to contact your doctor.
