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More News Health News

• New research suggests eczema sufferers may be fighting off cancer
  Published Thursday 30 October 2008
• Probiotics do not help eczema symptoms, study states
  Published Wednesday 08 October 2008
• Fish reduces childhood eczema risk, study states
  Published Thursday 25 September 2008
• Farm pregnancies could reduce eczema risk, study indicates
  Published Monday 01 September 2008

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• Introduction
• What Is This Thing Called Eczema?
• What Causes Eczema?
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Further Reading

Emollients

Emollients are moisturisers specially developed for dry skin conditions, such as eczema, which help keep skin lubricated, moist, and supple, which in turn helps to minimise dryness, tightness and itchiness. Emollients differ from cosmetic body lotions or creams in that they usually contain fewer ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as perfumes and preservatives. They come in many different forms, including ointments, creams, lotions, gels, bath products and soap substitutes.

Choosing the right emollient is very important, since you are more likely to use a product you like. Your doctor can help you find an emollient that suits your needs. Whatever you choose, you should use it often, especially when your skin feels dry and tight or irritated.

• Apply emollients liberally, as often as you can, and always at least twice a day.
• Apply to areas with eczema and to areas without eczema to keep the skin supple and moisturised - unlike anti-inflammatory treatments, there is no limit to how much or how often you can use emollients.
• Always apply after bathing to help seal in moisture.
• Wash your hands before applying anything to your skin. Patients with eczema sometimes develop skin infections, and jars of cream are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
• Gently apply emollients and dont rub the skin too hard. For thick creams, apply small dots and smooth them in gently. To avoid blocking hair follicles, apply using downward strokes.

Eczema general information

Order further information from your local bookshop/library, or online at:  www.amazon.com

• 'Eczema: what really works' by Carolyn Charman and Sandra Lawton. Published by Constable and Robinson: Reference number: ISBN 9781845290719
• 'The Eczema Solution' by Sue-Amber Brown. Published by Vintage/Ebury. Reference number: ISBN 0091882842.
• 'Eczema Recipes and Advice to Provide Relief' by P. Westcott. Published by Welcome Rain. Reference number: ASIN 1566491835.
• 'The Natural Way with Eczema' by S. Meredith and R. Thomas. Published by Harper Collins. Reference number: ASIN 185222304936.
• 'Understanding Childhood Eczema' by P. Titman. Published by John Wiley & Sons. Reference number: ISBN 047084759Y.
• 'Coping with Eczema' by R. Youngson. Published by SPCK. Reference number: ISBN 0859697363.