- Emollients are an essential part of your treatment for eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions. They should be used liberally and as often as required to keep your skin supple and moist, especially after bathing or washing. Also don’t forget to keep applying them even after you think your condition has cleared up.
- Make-up, perfumes,after shave and shaving preparations can often make your skin condition worse. So too can cosmetic preparations including scented hand and body creams as well as many prescription moisturising preparations which contain fragrances, lanolin, parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. Instead use a moisturising products.
- Avoid washing products like ordinary soaps, shampoos, bubble baths and shower gels all of which may irritate your skin and make your condition worse. If you do have eczema, psoriasis or other dry skin conditions you need to use products which is SLS free, lanolin free, fragrance free and free of common irritants and sensitisers.
- When your skin becomes warm it can become itchy and this can lead to you scratching at it. This causes the skin to become even more itchy, so you scratch even more ! This is called the ‘itch-scratch’ cycle and can make your condition worse. Do:
- keep the skin cool, both during the day and at night
- wear cotton or silk clothing against your skin as opposed to wool or synthetic man-made materials
- cool the area with a cool damp flannel if necessary
- have a word with your healthcare professional as there are preparations to help
- Foods can sometimes be responsible for flare ups of your skin condition. The most likely candidates are cow’s milk and other dairy products, eggs, nuts, wheat and fish. If you suspect something is triggering it have a word with your healthcare professional first.
- Sometimes your pets can cause allergies and your skin condition to flare up. Try to:
- if at all possible play with your pets outdoors rather than inside the house
- try and keep them off the furniture and out of the bedroom
- Most importantly, don’t forget to wash after stroking, playing or having been licked by them !
- The hands are constantly under attack so don’t forget to wear cotton gloves inside PVC ones when cleaning or washing up.
- Keep your home as free as possible from house dust mite by :
- Airing the bedroom daily to decrease humidity
- Avoiding putting the central heating on too high
- At least once a week vacuum the bedding, the mattress, the carpets and sofas and use a damp cloth when dusting
- Fit anti-allergy covers to mattresses, pillows and duvets. Avoid feathered bedding
- Wash the bedding at least once a week using a non-biological powder at a high temperature wash of at least 60°C
- Get to know your doctor, practice nurse and pharmacist as they are the specialists
- Just a polite reminder, but don’t forget to use your emollient !
Top 10 Tips for Dry Skin
Top 10 Tips for Dry Skin
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