Apply your chosen emollient to the affected patch of skin. Don’t rub it too roughly as this could cause further irritation. They can be used to replace lost moisture whenever your skin feels dry or tight. They're very safe and you cannot overuse them. Atopic eczema is usually a long-term condition and is more common in children and infants, but it can improve significantly and even clear completely in children as they get older. Adults can also develop eczema. People with atopic eczema may experience periods where the symptoms become less noticeable, as well as flare-ups where the condition becomes more severe. Dermatitis Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects around two in 100 people in the UK. It can develop at any age, but most often develops between the ages of 20 to 30 and 50 to 60. The severity of the condition can vary from person to person, and it often involves periods where symptoms are more severe, and periods where they’re milder. If your symptoms are severe, your GP may prescribe corticosteroid tablets. However, these are generally avoided as a form of chronic eczema treatment, as they carry potentially harmful side effects. Eczema skin care tips

If you’re experiencing severe itching as a result of eczema on your hands, face, or other areas of your body, you may benefit from using antihistamines. If the itching is affecting your sleep, a sedating antihistamine that causes drowsiness may be useful. Medicated bandages Frequent hand washing is important but it can lead to the skin on the hands becoming sore, chapped, and dry. Certain professions can also cause hands and feet to get dry. Your skin can become dry due to the requirement to wash hands frequently, as well as exposure to chemicals and biological materials if you work in certain industries such as: It may help to apply an emollient before and after swimming. Leave enough time for it to be absorbed into your skin before you swim. Obesity – being overweight can increase the pressure on your lower legs, which is a major cause of varicose veins and, subsequently, varicose eczema.

Dry skin can occur at any age, and while it doesn’t usually present a serious problem, it can be uncomfortable. This guide will explain the causes, types, and skincare options for those who are experiencing dry skin, including which dry skin products to use. Pregnancy – the added weight of pregnancy can also increase the pressure on the veins in your lower legs. Natural fibres, such as cotton and silk, are gentle against your skin and allow it to breathe. Do note though, even though wool has natural fibres, it can sometimes cause irritation to the skin. Moisturise while your skin is still damp. Most ointments, creams, and lotions work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. Keep your moisturiser near the shower or bath and use generously every time you wash.

Mix a small amount (around teaspoonful) of leave-on emollient or soap substitute in the palm of your hand with a little warm water and spread it over damp or dry skin.Use a clean spoon or spatula to remove emollients from a pot or tub. This reduces the risk of infections from contaminated pots. Risk of slipping

If you or your children need to use an emollient regularly, it's a good idea to keep some in small pots or tubes at home, school or work. How to use emollients How to use emollients on your skin Like atopic eczema, discoid eczema is caused by extremely dry skin that is prone to react to irritants, such as soaps. However, unlike atopic eczema, it isn’t known to run in families. You may need to experiment with different emollients or try a combination. For example, you may decide to use a cream during the day and an ointment at night. How to wash with emollientsYour GP may recommend using medicated bandages, clothing, or wet wraps to wear over the patches of skin affected by eczema. These are usually used alongside some form of topical cream, like emollients or corticosteroids, to help soothe the itching and inflammation. By covering the skin, the bandages help to prevent scratching, giving your skin time to heal. They also prevent the skin from drying out by keeping it moisturised. Corticosteroid tablets Eczema is a topical skin condition often resulting in dry, red, and itchy skin. There are multiple types of eczema, and each one can affect different people at different times, with varying levels of severity. Some of the different types of eczema Emollient soap substitutes that are used instead of normal soap in the bath or shower are not usually available on the NHS. How to get emollients Eat a diet rich in healthy fats like fish, walnuts, olive oil and avocados and drink lots of water.