Moisturisers
Eczema skin tends to be dry and this makes it itchy and more likely to crack and become infected, so it is important to moisturise the skin every day. There are many moisturising creams, ointments, lotions, bath oils and non-irritating skin cleansers available. Some may be better than others for you so experiment with different products to find which are best for you. Some patients find that if moisturisers are kept cool in a fridge they are more soothing when applied to the skin.
Bathing
It is important to keep the skin clean but excessive washing may irritate it.
- Avoid very hot water for washing.
- Use mild soap or non-soap cleansers; use soap sparingly and rinse well after washing. Avoid ordinary ‘bubble-baths’ and perfumed products. Bath oil added to the water helps to moisturise the skin but take care because oils tend to make the bath slippery – put a mat in the bath!
- Dry your skin by gently patting with a soft towel – do not rub.
- Immediately after drying the skin apply moisturising lotion, cream or ointment, as prescribed.
Clothing
What things to wear and how to wash them:
- For clothes, loose-fitting 100% cotton is best; choose soft fabrics.
- Avoid clothing made of wool, synthetic materials or rough fibres and tight clothing.
- Choose clothes that can be washed frequently and easily – otherwise staining by ointments and creams or as a result of scratching may be a problem.
- Wash new clothes to make them softer before wearing them, and remove clothing tags as they may irritate the skin.
- Rinse clothes well when washing because soap residue may irritate the skin. For very sensitive skin use ‘non-biological’ detergents and avoid fabric softeners, particularly perfumed ones, as these too might irritate.
Bedtime
- Make sure the bedroom is not too warm.
- Avoid electric blankets.
- Avoid wool and other coarse or rough textured material in blankets.
Take care of your hands
Keep your fingernails short, to prevent scratching from breaking the skin. Try to gently pat, press, pinch or rub itchy spots rather than scratching vigorously.
When possible, avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat.
Hand Eczema is often caused by contact with irritating substances in people who have sensitive skin. Wear cotton- lined gloves where possible and avoid direct skin contact with detergents, cleansers, solvents and other irritants.
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Helping you since 2001
The Malta Eczema Society was set up in 2001 to help those with eczema and their families. The need for such a group in Malta, as found in other countries, had been felt for a long time. The society aims to help by providing support, information and practical advice via public talks and other activities and to increase awareness about eczema and the problems it may cause.
The Malta Eczema Society has also repeatedly lobbied the Maltese Health Authorities regarding entitlement for free medication for eczema sufferers. Until recently, patients with eczema, unlike those with other chronic conditions, were not eligible for any free medication for their condition no matter how severe and chronic it was because eczema was not included in the Schedule V list of chronic diseases. This was very unfair and discriminatory.
We are pleased to note that in 2021 the Schedule V list was amended to include patients with severe chronic forms of eczema. This was a big step in the right direction. However it is disappointing that new effective medications for severe eczema such as dupilumab and JAK inhibitors, which have been used in other countries for several years, are still not available in Malta. It is hoped that these will now become available here too. The MES will continue to insist that available funds should be utilised according to patients’ needs and that patients should not be discriminated according to which chronic disease they are unlucky enough to have. Eczema sufferers pay taxes like everyone else and should be given the assistance they deserve like other patients.
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People with eczema can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities while taking precautions to manage their condition.
Remember to moisturize before and after engaging in outdoor activities, and have your prescribed medications or creams on hand for any flare-ups.
Your specific eczema triggers and comfort levels may vary, so it’s essential to adapt these activities to your individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.