Moisturise your skin as often as possible, ideally at least 2-3 times each day. The most greasy, non-perfumed moisturiser tolerated is the best. This is the most important part of skin care. Smooth the moisturiser on in the direction of hair growth. Do not put your fingers back and forth into the pot of moisturiser, as it may become contaminated and be a source of infection. It is best to remove an adequate amount to cover the skin with a spoon or spatula and put this on a saucer or piece of kitchen roll.
Wash with a moisturiser instead of soap (known as a soap substitute), and avoid soap, bubble baths, shower gels and detergents.
Treat eczema early – the more severe it becomes, the more difficult it is to control.
keep an eye on your habbits!
Wear non-powdered, non-rubber gloves (e.g. vinyl gloves) to protect your hands and avoid skin contact with irritants when doing jobs such as housework.
Rinse well after swimming and apply plenty of moisturiser after drying. Make sure the shower at the swimming pool contains fresh water and not chlorinated water from the swimming pool.
Wear comfortable clothes made of materials such as cotton and silk, and avoid wearing wool next to your skin.
Try to resist the temptation to scratch. It may relieve the itch briefly, but it will make the skin itchier in the long term. Smooth a moisturiser onto itchy skin.
Avoid close skin contact with anyone who has an active cold sore as patients with eczema are at risk of getting a widespread cold sore infection.
Do not keep pets to which there is an obvious allergy.
Keep cool. Overheating can make eczema itch more.
Wash clothes with a non-biological washing powder and use a double rinse cycle to remove detergent residues from the clothing