Health Topic-Dry skin and Eczema
Health Topic-Eczema
Many people suffer with dry skin conditions including eczema.
Eczema sufferers lose excess water from the skin and need regular use of emollients (non cosmetic moisturisers) to protect the skin and reduce eczema flares.
Emollients help to:
Ointments are the most effective but can feel stiff and greasy. They are best for very dry skin areas. They are less likely to cause skin sensitivity. They should be applied every 6-8 hours.
Caution: Ointments that contain more than 50% paraffin can pose a fire risk after application
Creams are easy to apply so are often more popular for daytime use. However they contain preservatives and sometimes cause sensitivity reactions. They need to be applied generously and more frequently, every 3-4 hours to repair the skin barrier.
Bath and shower gels can be applied directly before a bath or shower to the skin and washed off with warm water. They effectively cleanse the skin as an alternative to soap.
The most common reason dry skin conditions fail to improve is due to inadequate use of emollients.
Top Tips:
Use your emollient regularly. An adult will need about 500mg per week if applied all over the body (a full dispenser) and children 250g.
After a bath or shower pat dry your skin and re-apply your emollient.
Apply it in the direction of hair growth and never rub it up and down as this can irritate the hair bases and cause more itching.
Apply a thicker than usual layer before swimming.
Apply your emollient even when the eczema has improved to prevent a flare.
Please note in line with CCG prescribing changes patients are advised to purchase emollients over the counter for the treatment of minor or transient dry skin conditions only. For more persistent or moderate to severe dry skin conditions emollients are prescribed in line with individual patient needs.
Many people suffer with dry skin conditions including eczema.
Eczema sufferers lose excess water from the skin and need regular use of emollients (non cosmetic moisturisers) to protect the skin and reduce eczema flares.
Emollients help to:
- Relieve itching
- Strengthen the skin barrier to make it more protective against bacteria, irritants and allergens.
Ointments are the most effective but can feel stiff and greasy. They are best for very dry skin areas. They are less likely to cause skin sensitivity. They should be applied every 6-8 hours.
Caution: Ointments that contain more than 50% paraffin can pose a fire risk after application
Creams are easy to apply so are often more popular for daytime use. However they contain preservatives and sometimes cause sensitivity reactions. They need to be applied generously and more frequently, every 3-4 hours to repair the skin barrier.
Bath and shower gels can be applied directly before a bath or shower to the skin and washed off with warm water. They effectively cleanse the skin as an alternative to soap.
The most common reason dry skin conditions fail to improve is due to inadequate use of emollients.
Top Tips:
Use your emollient regularly. An adult will need about 500mg per week if applied all over the body (a full dispenser) and children 250g.
After a bath or shower pat dry your skin and re-apply your emollient.
Apply it in the direction of hair growth and never rub it up and down as this can irritate the hair bases and cause more itching.
Apply a thicker than usual layer before swimming.
Apply your emollient even when the eczema has improved to prevent a flare.
Please note in line with CCG prescribing changes patients are advised to purchase emollients over the counter for the treatment of minor or transient dry skin conditions only. For more persistent or moderate to severe dry skin conditions emollients are prescribed in line with individual patient needs.
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