EczemaZones - Adultzone

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1. Home
2. 'Ins' & 'Outs'
3. Treatment
   
   1. Getting to grips with your emollient
   2. Using topical steroids with confidence
   3. Other treatment options
4. Living with eczema
   
   1. The emotional side of eczema
   2. Coping with sleep disruption
5. Information
6. Accessibility

Getting to grips with your emollient

When you have eczema, your skin is not able to create the natural protective barrier that stops water being lost, and dirt, irritants and bacteria from getting in. Your emollient is the most important treatment for your eczema. This is because the emollient will replace lost moisture, reduce the itchiness and dryness of the skin and help restore your skin's barrier function. The reality is that many people (children and adults alike) just don't use their emollient enough for it to do its job properly, and for them to see an improvement in their eczema. If you feel that your emollient has never really made much of a difference, read this section carefully, perhaps you haven't been using it effectively.

The Guidelines from the British Association of Dermatologists and Primary Care Dermatology Society recommend that adults with eczema on most of their body use about 600g of emollient a week – that's just over one whole pump dispenser each week. We know that sounds like a lot of emollient, but many people are able to control their eczema using just their emollient alone, so it's worth trying to follow this advice:

• Put it on every day – during flare-ups and in between, even when your skin is clear
• Apply it every 3-4 hours – which means at least 4 times a day
• Be generous – generally speaking you'll need far more emollient than you might imagine

Why not download our handy guide to remind you about how to apply your emollient.

Ointments, creams, lotions and gels

Emollients come in all kinds of formats. Ointments are the most effective type because they are able to moisturise skin for longer than creams, lotions and gels. Whatever emollient you choose, the most important thing is to use it effectively. If you don't already use your emollient to help you avoid cosmetic soaps and bubble baths – which is called 'complete emollient therapy' – why not talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out more.

As a general rule emollients can be used:

• 

  For moisturising – ointments, creams, lotions or gels

• 

  As a soap substitute – creams

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  For use in the bath or shower – emollient bath and/or shower additives

Building a daily emollient routine

We know that applying an emollient four times a day, each and every day, is time consuming when you lead a busy life. However, trying to build emollient application into your daily routine can help to make it a regular habit.

Why not think of fixed points in time during the day when you could put on your emollient, for example:

Using topical steroids with confidence » « Getting the most out of your treatment