Beat the itch
An estimated six million people will be itching and scratching their way into National Eczema Week (11 - 18 September) with figures estimating that one in 10 adults and one fifth of children are affected by eczema. Celebrity eczema sufferers include Kate Middleton, Nicole Kidman, Claire Sweeney, Ulrika Jonsson, Brad Pitt, LeAnn Rimes and Jade Jagger.
The condition, also known as dermatitis, is caused by a number of factors, but universally affects sufferers with a level of dryness, itching, and soreness, occasionally worsening to blistered, cracked or weeping skin.
Little Itch: The average eczema sufferer loses almost an hour of sleep every night due to itching
While there is no cure, and no ‘one size fits all’ treatment, why not try some new ways to beat the itch?
Seasons of change
Some people find their eczema is affected in different ways depending on the weather and the season.
Summer usually offers relief for sufferers - most find that the UV light from the sun eases the condition, although it may make some rarer forms of eczema worse . Regardless, take care and cover up in the sun to keep safe from sunburn and skin cancer
Autumn is considered the worst time for most, as the central heating goes back on, sucking moisture from the air . Apply extra emollient at this time of year to keep your skin feeling more comfortable
Winter can be tricky, being too near a heat source can irritate eczema, so sit back from the fire . Opt for loose fitting cotton jumpers to keep warm, without irritating the skin
Pollen levels during spring can worsen symptoms for some allergy sufferers , including those with eczema, so avoid sitting in grassy areas when the pollen count is high
Little Itch: The word eczema comes from Greek words that mean ‘to boil over’. ‘Dermatitis’ comes from the Greek word for skin. Both refer to the same condition .
Edible cure?
Certain foods can make eczema flare up in some people. The most common culprits include eggs, seafood, soy, fruit, nuts, wheat, milk and dairy products . Rather than attempt to cut them all out at once, keep a food diary. You can then look back at what you have eaten around the time of a flare up and see if cutting it out helps to ease your symptoms.
Less stress
Anxiety and stress can lead to eczema flare-ups . As well as treating physical symptoms, try and address the emotional – simple relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation may help to ease anxiety. Try and get a good night’s sleep by taking a warm bath an hour before bed, applying plenty of moisturiser afterwards and sleeping in a cool room with light cotton sheets.
Itchy Myth: You can’t go swimming if you have eczema. Most sufferers are not adversely affected by chlorine or salt water. Make sure you rinse and moisturise your skin fully before and after just in case .
Environmental health
There may be any number of environmental factors that affect eczema. However, one common irritant is dust mites - even if you keep your home clean they are everywhere. Another frequent cause of flare ups is pet fur, particularly cat hair. In fact, research has shown that babies exposed to cat fur soon after birth were more likely to get eczema . Reduce the risk by keeping pets out of bedrooms and living spaces, wrapping your mattress in plastic sheeting, regularly changing pillows and blankets, and getting carpets and upholstery properly cleaned.
Itchy Myth: People get eczema because they don’t wash properly. In fact, washing too much can trigger dry skin and eczema. Sufferers should wash with mild soap and water and take care not to scrub too hard.
Chemical reactions?
Many of the harsh chemicals found in everyday cleaning solutions, paint strippers and pesticides can cause eczema to flare up. More commonplace chemicals can also have an effect - laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, perfume or cosmetics amongst them . Choose un-perfumed products suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies and wear latex-free rubber gloves when handling chemical rich products.
Dress for success
Could your clothing actually be aggravating your skin? Wool and wool-like fibres (like cashmere and mohair) can cause rashes and itching. Polyester fibres penetrate the skin’s surface to cause irritation as well as causing the wearer to sweat, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. Other man-made materials, such as acrylic and nylon can make symptoms worse, and fabrics like denim and leather may also be too heavy and rough for sensitive skin . Opt for natural cotton and silk whenever possible.
Little Itch: Filaggrin is the name of a protein usually found in the skin. Scientists have found that a defect in the gene that makes this protein can be the cause of eczema. They hope it may hold the key to a cure.
Oil up!
Extensive research has been undertaken to investigate effective treatments for eczema sufferers and the natural answer may lie in Evening Primrose Oil. In 2006 a meta-analysis of 26 clinical studies was undertaken, which confirmed that Efamol® Pure Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) could be used as an aid to maintaining healthy skin. Among the 1,207 subjects treated with either Efamol® EPO or placebo, a significant improvement was seen in the itch, crusting, oedema and redness caused by eczema in the Efamol® group compared to the placebo group.
Efamol EPO contains high levels of the omega-6 essential fatty acid GLA and is made from a unique variety of seed called Rigel that produces oil containing up to 33% more GLA than other evening primrose oils, ideal for maintaining skin health. Available in capsule form Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil is priced from £6.89, Stockists include Waitrose, Morrisons, Boots, Holland & Barrett and independent pharmacies. Visit efamol.com for more information.
Little Itch: In a scientific study, Efamol EPO was shown to be as effective as Europe’s leading baby skincare brand in preventing the common dermatitis nappy rash.
Go natural
If you suffer from eczema, you should always seek advice on how best to treat your condition from your GP. However, some people find a degree of relief using natural methods. Common treatments include topical applications of peppermint, tea tree or patchouli oils, use of vitamin E cream or aloe vera gel and even adding oats to your bath . Others report success when using Chinese herbal medicines or homeopathic treatments. Always check with your doctor before you try as some natural remedies can interfere with prescribed treatments, such as corticosteroids.
Itchy Myth: Steroids can cure eczema. Steroids are an effective short term treatment for easing the symptoms of eczema but they do not offer a cure, and may cause thinning of the skin over time.
