Other sites in our network: What's on TV | Now | Pick Me Up | Puzzles and Prizes
Branding_print

What is the usual treatment for atopic eczema? Part 3

Average rating: 4 out of 5 star rating

Emollients (moisturisers)

People with eczema have a tendency for their skin to become dry. Dry skin tends to 'flare-up' and become inflamed into patches of eczema. Emollients are lotions, creams, ointments and bath/shower additives which prevent the skin from becoming dry. They 'oil' the skin, keep it supple and moist and help to protect the skin from irritants. This helps to prevent itch and reduces the frequency of eczema flare-ups.

The regular use of emollients is the most important part of the day-to-day treatment for eczema. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can advise on the various types and brands available, and the ones which may be best suit you.

You should apply emollients as often as you need. This may be twice a day, or several times a day if your skin becomes very dry. Some points about emollients include:

  • As a rule, thicker, greasy ointments work better and for longer than thinner creams, but they are messier to use. Some people dont mind using thick ointments, but some people prefer creams (but apply them more often.)
  • Apply liberally to all areas of skin. You cannot overdose or overuse emollients. They are not active drugs and do not get absorbed through the skin.
  • Use emollients every day. A common mistake is to stop using emollients when the skin appears good. Patches of inflammation, which may have been prevented, may then quickly flare-up again.
  • If you are also using a steroid cream or ointment, wait 30-60 minutes after you have applied the steroid before applying emollients. This avoids 'diluting' the steroid which may make it less effective.

Average rating:

4 out of 5 star rating

Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

No comments

Add a comment

Please enter the characters in the image:

IPC Media Limited, owner of goodtoknow.co.uk, will collect your personal information solely to process your request


Lose weight quickly with the goodtoknow diet club

Enter your details below to get a free diet profile

weight

height

age

sex


Win! Champneys spa break

Win! Champneys spa break

You'll also win a feel-good film on DVD

Enter competition


Health

The facts on cystitis

The facts on cystitis

Half of all women get this at least once - find out the symptoms and treatments




Today's health poll

When do you mainly use your computer?


  • Every day at work 36%
  • In the mornings 12%
  • In the afternoons 17%
  • In the evenings 34%
  • Weekends 2%