Health Skincare


Ointments have more oil than creams, and creams have more oil than lotions. If you’re not sure which would be right for you, your local Careway pharmacist can give you the advice you need


Eczema treatments Whatever type of eczema you have, it can affect your self-esteem and confidence, especially at this time of year. So it’s a good idea to speak to your pharmacist or your GP about the treatments that may help keep your skin smooth, supple and moist. These include…


Emollients Also available as lotions, ointments, creams and sprays, plus products you put in the bath, emollients help reduce the amount of moisture lost from your skin. They are designed to be used in liberal amounts every day to protect your skin from becoming too dry. These are most effective when your eczema is under control (that is, they keep your skin from losing too much moisture when it’s relatively healthy). In other words, you should use emollients even when your eczema is under control. All emollients work in the same way, but they differ in the amount of


oil and water they contain. For instance ointments have more oil than creams, and creams have more oil than lotions. If you’re not sure which would be right for you, your local Careway pharmacist can give you the advice you need. Apply emollients after having a bath or shower and, if your skin is


very dry, every two or three hours after that. Here are some tips to get the most out of them:


• Apply a large amount – don't skimp.


• Apply in the same direction as your hair grows and leave to dry, don't rub it in.


• When using after a bath or shower, apply while your skin is still moist.


Never share your emollients with other people, and keep small tubes of emollients in your bag or pocket so you can use them when you’re out and about.


Steroid creams Mild steroid creams are available to buy over the counter at pharmacies that may help you manage an eczema flare-up by reducing swelling and redness. Always ask your pharmacist to recommend one that's suitable for you, and read the instructions carefully, as applying them too thickly or for too long a period could harm your skin.


Antihistamines If your skin is inflamed and very itchy, your GP or pharmacist may also recommend an antihistamine tablet that may help. Some types of antihistamines can also make you feel drowsy, which could be useful if having itchy skin is making it difficult for you to sleep well.


Steroid tablets These are generally only prescribed for very severe cases of eczema, and should only be taken for very short periods of time.


Antibiotics If your skin becomes infected, your GP can prescribe a course of antibiotic tablets.


For more advice about managing dry skin or eczema, speak to your local Careway pharmacist (find your nearest pharmacy at www.careway.co.uk/find-a-pharmacy). You can also get more details by calling the National Eczema Society helpline on 0800 089 122 or visiting www.eczema.org.


10 All About health


How to prevent a flare-up


If you find your eczema gets worse during the summer months, discovering what triggers your symptoms may be useful – though some people find their eczema gets better or worse for no obvious reason. These triggers vary from one person to the


next, but the most common ones include the following:


• Soaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing-up liquid and bubble bath. Scrubbing your skin too hard can also make eczema worse.


• Environmental factors such as pollen – which is often a problem during the summer – as well as pet fur, house dust mites and moulds.


• Foods including dairy foods, eggs, seafood, wheat, nuts and soya (try keeping a diary of everything you eat as well as when your symptoms flare up to track which foods are causing a problem).


• Synthetic fabrics such as acrylic and polyester (wool can also trigger eczema).


• Skin infections. • Hormonal changes.


Stress can lead to eczema flare-ups in some people too. If this happens to you, try to avoid situations that make you feel anxious whenever possible. Practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation may also help you cope with stress more effectively. Overheating can also make eczema itchier, so


try to keep as cool as possible when it’s hot. And if you plan to go swimming this summer, rinse your skin thoroughly afterwards and apply plenty of moisturiser after drying.


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