kingsfoldmedicalcentre web site

Emollients: These are moisturisers that replace the lost water from the skin. In doing so they soften the skin and make it more resistant to irritants. Emollients are best applied when the skin is moist, although they should generally be applied as often as possible. Ideally you should use 250 grams/week on a child with eczema and as much as 500 grams/week on an adult. The important thing with emollients is that they are applied as liberally and as frequently as you need them.

It is important to try to follow a daily emollient therapy routine using a combination of cream, ointment, bath oil and emollient soap substitutes. There are a number of very effective treatments available and your doctor or pharmacists will advise you. Often the emollient that suits you best is the one that you prefer to apply and therefore you will feel happy using it more regularly.

Steroid creams: These are ‘anti-inflammatory’ products that may sometimes be prescribed to treat the underlying inflammation and so reduce the itch-scratch cycle. They may be offered to help treat forms of eczema that have not been improved by emollients. Steroids are used to treat the ‘flare-up’ of eczema and should not be used as a long term therapy. Always use emollients in conjunction with your steroids.

Avoid triggers that you know will make your eczema worse.
Use an emollient regularly even when your skin feels better
Consult your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible, especially if the condition seems to be getting worse.

Morning
Wash with an emollient soap substitute. After washing gently pat the skin dry. Gently apply emollient cream or lotion with clean hands in the direction of hair growth. Do not rub vigorously as this could trigger itching.

Throughout the day
Use emollient soap-substitute to wash hands. Apply emollient cream or lotion whenever the skin feels dry or itchy. Do not allow the skin to dry out.

Evening
Have a warm 10 minute bath with an emollient bath oil. Do not use soap- the bath oil will clean the skin. After bathing gently pat the skin dry and, while the skin is damp, apply your chosen emollient liberally.