Added by: Shropshire Mums on Mon Sep 14 13:04 2020
Dr Jennifer's Tips: How can you handle eczema flare ups?
“To prevent flare ups with sensitive skin in autumn: moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Prevention is always the best method when it comes to skin sensitivity, so ensure you’re taking good care of yourself with a consistent and thorough skincare regimen.”
“My top tip to combat dryness and areas of dry skin is to ensure you nourish and hydrate your skin with moisturiser. Pay special to the hands, but also the lips and feet.”
Should I be using lotions, creams or ointments to help my eczema?
“Some skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, can flare up in autumn and winter. For dry and eczema prone skin, the thicker the product the better it is for providing soothing and moisturising results.”
“For example, cream is thicker than lotion and ointments are thicker than creams. In summer, we require lighter products and less oils on our skin, but autumn is the time to start reintroducing thicker alternatives in order to combat the harsher weather - which tend to dry the skin out. Don’t forget to pay special attention to lips, hands and feet as they are more exposed to the elements.”
What ingredients should I avoid? I see a Doctor about my eczema?
“The more natural the ingredients, the better - especially if you suffer from sensitive skin. Avoid anything that mentions that it has SLS or parabens in as these can cause irritation to the skin.
Brands such as Childs Farm (for children) and Farmologie (for adults) are full of naturally derived ingredients such as oats and Shea and cocoa butter have been proven to help soothe our skin and are dermatologist approved. They are also cruelty free and suitable for Vegans - what’s not to love.”
I’ve noticed my eczema has worsened with the increased need for washing due to Covid-19
“This has been one of the major drawbacks to the increased need of handwashing this year - but by using a really good hand moisturiser, at least three times a day - and before you go to sleep - will give your hands time to heal.”
How often should I moisturise?
“In short every day. You should ensure all of your products are natural and hydrating, including shampoos and conditioners. While we don’t always think about our scalp as being sensitive, the skin is one organ and we must treat it as such. If you find that using very thick cream all over your body is too much, you can use one for every day / every other day, and one for problem areas.”
When should“Eczema can be managed quite effectively at home - prevention is always better than trying to cure a flare-up! If you find that your skin becomes red and inflamed, despite following all the prevention measures, it’s important to seek out medical advice from your GP.”
How can I prevent future flare ups?
“It’s not always possible to prevent an eczema flare up, but it is so important to care for your skin throughout the whole year and not just to mitigate the rash. My ten top tips are:
1. Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and dehydrated skin cells from summer
2. Ditch soap on your face! Use a gentle cleanser
3. Use a nourishing hand cream - at least three times a day
4. Stay hydrated inside too, through water and herbal teas”
5. Use natural derived products
6. Avoid alcohol
7. Moisturise your body morning and night, and pay special attention to flared up areas
8. Use a natural shampoo and conditioner
9. Moisturise before bed
10. Eat a good varied diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
CREDIT: Dr Jennifer Crawley recommends Childs Farm and Farmologie products for the prevention and treatment of eczema.
