Eczema was something I thought belonged in my past, until it came creeping back last year with a hot, itchy vengeance.
I’ve tried ditching make-up, giving up booze and whittling my skincare routine down to the very basics, all in the hope of making my skin feel normal again, with varying degrees of success.
I’m not exceptional, either, with one in 10 adult Brits suffering from atopic eczema.*
Here’s all I’ve learned...
SEEING RED
My childhood was characterised by cracked hands and sore knees, but in my teens, my eczema disappeared.
However, late last year, I started to notice red, itchy patches reappearing.
In weeks, my skin transformed from oily and clear to dry and chapped, leaving me clueless as to why.
There are several types of eczema, but atopic eczema like mine is the most common.
It’s in the same family as hay fever, food allergies and asthma. “While most cases are caused by genetics, lifestyle choices can influence the degree of eczema,”; says dermatologist and medical director of
EUDELO Dr Stefanie Williams.
Treatment can vary, so seek medical advice if you’re unsure.
TRIGGER POINTS
At first, I was convinced my flare-up was down to me overloading my skin with cosmetics. But I realised something else was at play.
“Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by stress, allergens, changes in weather, harsh skincare products, sweating and infections,”; says dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips.
I began to notice a pattern between drinking alcohol and waking up with inflamed skin, so I reduced my intake, and I’ve seen it worsen if I’m stressed, too.
“Stress is a well-known trigger for up to 70% of patients with eczema,”; says dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed.
Keeping notes on my phone to record the weather, what I’ve eaten and which products I’ve used (including soap, washing detergent and perfume) has been useful in helping to pinpoint possible triggers.
SCRATCH CYCLE
The urge to scratch itchy eczema-prone skin is unbearable. I’ve tried rubbing, fanning, prodding — all of which are generally discouraged – and even resorted to full-blown scratching.
“If you scratch your skin, you can release histamine,”; says Cadogan Clinic dermatologist Dr Aveen Connolly.
This can worsen the itch and result in broken skin and infections. “It causes thickened, leathery skin and discolouration or scarring in the longterm,”; adds Dr Phillips.
Cooling methods can help, but avoid applying ice directly to skin, as it can cause burns, while using a fan can feel drying.
“Instead, keep your moisturiser in the fridge, as it will cool the skin, but isn’t as aggressive,”; says Dr Connolly.
Scratch attacks used to wake me in the night, but taking an antihistamine, like fexofenadine, before bed has helped.
And if you can’t resist the urge, tap!
“Tapping reduces the possibility of broken skin, minimising risk of infection,”; says Dr Connolly.
SHELF IT
“Opt for fragrance-free formulas, as allergies to fragrances are common for eczema-prone skin,”; says Dr Williams.
“However, avoid products containing limonene and/or linalool, as these commonly used fragrance replacements can be as allergenic,”; she adds.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Cream Wash, £21
I use La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Cream Wash, £21, which feels gentle and non-irritating on the skin.
“As for skincare, it’s important to repair the skin barrier by using moisturisers rich in emollients, such as ceramides,”; says Dr Phillips.
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, £10.50
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, £10.50, forms a nourishing, protective barrier over your skin, but its thick texture takes a bit of getting used to.
Cetraben Cream, £6.05
I also love Cetraben Cream, £6.05, which feels lightweight but deeply hydrating.
“Pick a facial cleanser with a hydrating emollient formula, instead of a foaming facial cleanser, which can be drying,”; says Dr Williams. My favourite is calming Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £12.75.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £12.75
Make-up no longer sits well or feels comfortable on my skin, so I’ve reduced how much I wear, and I’ve learned to love my low-maintenance routine.
Depending on the condition of your flare-up, there are some make-up product options for those experiencing eczema.
“Some hypo-allergenic make-up brands, such as Oxygenetix, are well-tolerated by atopic eczema sufferers,”; says Dr Williams.
Unfortunately, none of the above will nip eczema in the bud entirely, and it’s always worth seeking advice from your GP if your symptoms persist.
This might involve prescribing anti-inflammatory steroid creams, which can help regain control of symptoms.
“Just be wary of common mistakes, such as starting prescription creams too late after experiencing symptoms, stopping steroid creams abruptly rather than gradually, and using low-strength creams for prolonged periods,”; says Dr Williams.
The bottom line? Your doctor knows best.
*Allergy UK
