Eczema Care

Eczema is made worse by chemicals and harsh weather conditions, as dryness and cracks in the skin make it easier for bacteria to get in. Here are some tips to help manage the condition, in addition to any topical steroid creams you may be prescribed.

• The best way to prevent against flare-ups is regular use of unscented moisturisers.
• Pharmacies sell the same ones your doctor prescribes.
• You don't need to slather them on.
• Ideally smooth in the same direction as body hair growth 3 or 4 times a day, as they only work for a few hours.
• E45 is effective but contains lanolin, which some people are sensitive to.
• Non-lanolin alternatives are Cetraben lotion, Cetaphil lotion and Aveeno products.
• A natural alternative to steroids is Cardiospermum (ballon vine), which is an effective anti-inflammatory. Currently (March 2017) Cardiospermum gel is only available from skinshop.co.uk.
• Washing with soap can also affect the skin; use aqueous cream instead and avoid bubbles completely.

Articles in Good Housekeeping, July 2014 and April 2015.