Coping With Eczema

Our health writer, Jackie Mitchell, finds out more from expert Alice Lambert.

IF you’re suffering from itchy, dry and cracked skin, you could have eczema. This is a non-contagious skin condition which can affect people of all ages, including one in 10 adults.

Often referred to as dermatitis, it varies from person to person and comes in different forms.

The most common type is atopic eczema, caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Alice Lambert from the charity National Eczema Society explains.

“Atopic eczema occurs when the skin’s barrier against the elements is weakened.

“If you think of the skin as a brick wall, the outer cells are the bricks, while fats and oils are the mortar, acting like a seal.

“The cells attract and keep water inside, and the fats and oils also help to keep moisture in.

“If you have eczema, your skin may not produce as many fats and oils and will be unable to retain water.

“Also, some everyday substances such as soap, bubble bath and detergents will dry out the skin.”

The pandemic has meant two years of increased handwashing and sanitising, which has probably made many people’s eczema worse.

“The skin of people without eczema may have become drier and more easily irritated, too,” Alice adds.

The condition can run in families and often develops alongside other conditions like hay fever and asthma.

Dry, itchy skin and the urge to scratch are classic symptoms of atopic eczema.

“During a flare-up the skin can be a different colour from normal, and sore and raw.

“In more severe cases, there may be weeping, crusting and bleeding and it can affect any part of the body,” Alice says.

If you have symptoms, consult your GP.

“Emollients – medical moisturisers – are the usual treatment for atopic eczema and are applied at least twice a day,” Alice says.

“Topical steroids can be prescribed for short bursts when the condition flares up.

“If you are struggling to control the eczema with products applied to the skin alone, ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist.

“Treatments for more severe cases may include light therapy and different types of drugs.”

Although there isn’t a cure for eczema, there are steps you can take to manage it. For example, apply emollient regularly, including in the bath or shower, rather than soap or shower gel.

Establishing a good skin care routine is vital, and avoid anything that might trigger a flare-up. This might include wool and synthetic materials, house dust mites, pollen and perfume.

National Eczema Society has lots of information on its website and also runs a confidential helpline service.

Visit www.eczema.org or call 0800 448 0818 (open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays). ■