Skin doctor’s top tips to help eczema sufferer’s survive summer – and five must-have remedies for under a tenner
ANYONE who suffers from eczema will know that summer can be a difficult time.
From the heat causing flare-ups to products such as sunscreen irritating your skin, it can be one of the itchiest times of the year.
Also known as dermatitis, eczema is a common dry skin condition.
In mild cases, a person's skin is dry, scaly, red and itchy.
But, in more severe cases there can be weeping, crusting and bleeding sores as a result.
The constant compulsion to itch can leave the skin split and bleeding and also leaves it open to infection.
Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Anthony Bewley said: "It’s really well recognised that living with a skin disease has a massive impact on day-to-day life. Even small amounts of disease can really affect an individual’s self-esteem and confidence."
So, for those looking to navigate the summer months with fewer flare-ups and as much body confidence as possible, here are Dr Bewley's top five tips:
1. Keep your skin hydrated
The summer heat can be really harsh on your skin.
The sun alone can cause it to dry our but excess sweat can also leave your skin craving moisture.
Dr Bewley said the summer heat has been found to cause eczema flare ups with many sufferers.
The drier your skin becomes the more your eczema is likely to itch.
He said: "The summer makes everyone sweat more but for those suffering with eczema, the hot weather can make skin extra sore and cause angry flare ups.
"To reduce the chance of getting a flare-up during the summer months, continue to use a good emollient treatment."
An emollient cream helps replace lost skin oils, forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface and attracts moisture from the epidermis - the skins outer layer - to the surface of the skin.
Dr Bewler recommends using Cetraben Cream, which can be bought for £4.99 at your local Boots store.
2. Find the right sunscreen
Sun protection is one of the most important products for your skin during summer.
But using the wrong one for your skin type may irritate your eczema.
It might be tempting to skip the pain and itching all together, but it is never a good idea to skimp on sun protection.
Dr Bewley said: "The sun is a trigger for flare ups with many patients reporting difficulty when it comes to finding a sun block that calms and soothes the area but offers solid protection too."
Luckily, there are specialist sunscreens designed to help you through the warmer months.
Dr Bewley suggests Solero Ultra-Sensitive sunscreen, which can be bought in your local pharmacy for £7.
3. Get a good night's rest
Getting a good night's rest can be really tricky when you have eczema.
The constant itching from the heat is enough to keep anyone awake.
"The higher temperatures may also give sufferers difficulty sleeping.
"Lack of sleep has been shown to exacerbate eczema so I encourage my patients to get a good night's sleep.
ARE YOU AT RISK? What is eczema, what causes the painful condition and how can you treat it?
"Between six to eight hours is highly recommended," said Dr Bewley.
Luckily, there are things you can do to help your body relax before getting some shut-eye.
Dr Bewley recommends drinking Yogi Bedtime Tea.
The teabags contain soothing herbs including valerian, chamomile, passionflower, liquorice, cardamom and cinnamon.
You can buy 17 tea bags for £2.35 at Holland & Barrett.
4. Avoid soap
Soaps can be harsh on the skin and aggravate eczema.
Many can dry skin out further, which can leave you with itching, cracked and even bleeding skin.
Dr Bewley suggests using a soap alternative to gently wash your skin.
He said: "Soaps, shampoos and shower gels can make skin dry and further aggravate skin conditions like eczema.
"Use a soap substitute which is less drying on the skin, such as Cetaben daily cleansing cream.
"It is also beneficial to shower in lukewarm water opposed to hot."
You can buy Cetaben daily cleansing cream for £7.99 at any Boots store.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked.
Atopic eczema (the most common form of the condition) is more common in children, often developing before their first birthday.
However, it may also develop for the first time in adults.
It's usually a long-term condition, although it can improve significantly, or even clear completely, in some children as they get older.
The exact cause of eczema is not known.
Symptoms:
Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread red, inflamed skin all over the body.
It can affect any part of the body but it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.
Treatment:
There are many different treatments to help control eczema, including:
- self-care techniques, such as reducing scratching and avoiding triggers
- moisturising treatments used on a daily basis
- topical corticosteroids to reduce swelling, redness and itching during flare-ups
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5. Avoid stress
Easier said than done, for many.
Stress can flare up skin conditions - whether it's work, childcare or the flare-up itself.
Dr Bewley said: "It’s really important to stay positive as much as you can when living with a skin condition.
"But it is still absolutely normal to feel low and out of sorts when living with skin disease."
Dr Bewley advises to certain practise relaxation techniques and get emotional support to stay cool and level-headed.
He added: "Stress can be a major trigger for eczema.
"Practising mindfulness, meditation or relaxation techniques can really help with stress, and so have benefits in the control of eczema."
But if meditation isn't getting the results you want, try a herbal remedy.
Dr Bewley suggests Holland & Barrett's stress relief passionflower, which you can buy for £8.99.
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