Management

Medication can be effective in controlling the symptoms of eczema but in some cases it will be necessary to make lifestyle changes which will enable people with eczema to avoid, or limit exposure to, potential sources of irritation and allergens.

A variety of simple measures may be effective for some people:

• Clothing and bedding
• Laundry products
• Other allergens
• Diet

Clothing and bedding. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can aggravate eczema by causing itching. Many people with eczema find 100% cotton or silk clothing and bedding more comfortable against the skin, although a number of synthetic new fibres are being developed which are well tolerated by people with eczema. Many people with eczema find that over-heating can make their eczema worse. It is a good idea to layer clothes and bedding so that the level of cover can be adjusted and the temperature can be kept to a comfortable level.

Laundry products. Biological washing powders can contain enzymes which may exacerbate skin problems, so try non-biological products for baby’s clothes. Experimentation and advice from the National Eczema Society will help each individual to find the most suitable products.

Other allergens. The droppings of the house dust mite can be a common allergen. A range of products, including sprays, specialist vacuum cleaners or filters and bedding systems have recently been introduced to control these irritants although opinions differ as to their efficacy. Regular damp dusting and washing of bedding at high temperatures can help to keep levels of house dust mite down.

In severe cases of eczema, where first-line treatments have failed to provide adequate control, more drastic measures may be needed. These include replacing carpets with hard floorings and choosing blinds rather than curtains. However, although hard floorings can improve the situation, remember that a baby learning to walk frequently takes a tumble and a hard floor increases the chance of injury. A balance may have to be found between reducing dust mites and child safety.

Diet. Dietary management may be effective for a small percentage of people with eczema for whom food has been identified as a trigger factor. However, to avoid the risk of your child developing nutritional deficiencies, consult your health visitor or other medical professional on any changes you plan to make. It is also important to remember that diet is unlikely to be the only factor involved.

Contact details

The National Eczema Society can be contacted at 163 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1BU.

Information Line Tel: 0207 388 3444 (10am – 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1pm – 4pm Thursdays)

General Enquiries Tel: 0207 388 4097. Or click here to go to their website.