All about eczema
Disclaimer: Medical advice provided is for interest only and should never be substituted for seeing a doctor or seeking medical advice. If you have specific medical concerns please seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
T he most common type of eczema is called atopic eczema – referring to the increased allergy reaction of the body when you have a flare-up.
When you get eczema it’s typically because of an alteration in the skin barrier, with an increased inflammatory and allergy response.
This can be triggered by contact with any chemical in soaps and detergents or even exposure to bacteria and viruses. Eczema is even considered to be hereditary, too.
But what causes a flare-up?
Try to be aware of your triggers
They can be triggered by:
•Irritants like soaps, detergents, heat, dust, wool and pets
•Being unwell, for example having a common cold
•Bacterial or viral infections, for example cold sore herpes
•Dry skin
•Teething in babies
•Food allergens
•Stress
•For more information, please visit: britishskinfoundation.org.uk
What can I do?
To help keep an eczema flare-up at bay, you can:
Moisturise using a greasy, nonscented moisturiser at least two to three times a day. Apply the lotion in the direction of your hair growth
Wear nonpowdered, nonrubber glove
