The following may help alleviate the symptoms and prevent future bouts (‘flares’) of eczema:
- Use moisturiser often (at least twice a day) even when there are no symptoms. Applying moisturiser while the skin is still moist after a bath or shower to help ‘lock in’ the moisture. Adding oil to bathwater will also help to moisturise dry, eczema-prone skin. Discuss with a doctor or pharmacist the different types of moisturiser available. Wear pure cotton or cotton-mixture clothes instead of wool or synthetics
- Do not use soap, especially deodorant or anti-bacterial soaps. Instead use a mild, non-fragranced liquid cleanser, emulsifying ointment, or water-dispersible cream
- Take shorter showers or baths and use warm instead of hot water
- After bathing, gently pat rather than rub your skin dry using a soft towel.
- Avoid enzyme detergents and fabric softeners when washing clothes as these can irritate the skin
- Avoid foods that are known to provoke allergic reactions such as peanuts, eggs, seafood, milk, soy and chocolate
- Direct use of antiseptics and solvents should be avoided
- Environmental factors, such as heat, sunlight, and cold can irritate the condition. If this is the case, avoid them as much as possible
- Use a humidifier in winter and summer
- Bandages can be used to stop scratching at night. Cotton mittens can also be helpful
- Fingernails should be kept short to decrease the damage caused by scratching.