As it gets colder eczema sufferers may find their skin is adversely affected by the temperature change. So, here are some tips to help fend off inflammation....
The main message from NHS UK is to avoid allergens or irritants causing eczema symptoms.
Common irritants include:
• detergents and soaps
• antiseptics and antibacterials
• perfumes and preservatives in toiletries or cosmetics
• solvents
• oils used in machines
• chemicals, such as disinfectants
• acids and alkalis
• cement
• powders
• water, especially hard, chalky water or heavily chlorinated water
• dust
• soil
• some plants, such as clematis, hellebore and mustards
1. Invest in a Water Softener as Hard Water can aggravate eczema
2. Try and stay ahead of the game by regularly checking yours and your child’s skin in places where eczema flares up eg. behind the ears and in skin creases and treat straight away at the first sign of redness with a natural emollient
3. Avoid woollen clothing and stick to cotton layers as wool dries out the skin and makes eczema worse
4. Avoid using biological detergents or try using milder options. Filetti Sensitively Clean Non-Biological Powder is recommended for skin conditions.
5. Keep skin hydrated! The European Food Safety Authority recommends that women should drink about 1.6 litres of fluid and men should drink about 2.0 litres of fluid per day (NHS UK)
6. Reduce time spent showering as the longer you shower the more your skin dehydrates
7. Before completely drying your skin use a natural moisturiser to keep skin hydrated
8. Pat skin dry gently as opposed to rubbing as this can exacerbate eczema
9. Reduce Stress as this can have aggravate eczema (easier said than done this one but if you can remove yourself from a stressful situation then do so...)
10. Avoid direct contact with foods that have a high acidic content. These can cause irritation. Use food preparation gloves (if possible cotton) to slice up lemons etc.
