How to Live With Eczema

My son has had severe eczema for 3 years. We have long since given up trying to discover what causes it, and have found ways of living with it. He no longer has to have anti histamine every night; he doesn't need the really strong steroid creams very often; and his skin is usually looking good and flare ups can usually be conquered in a few days

Eczema: Medicines and Creams That Help

We cover him in Diprobase, using downward strokes, every morning and night and in between times on any itchy patches.
We use Dermol 600 instead of soap in the bath and when washing hands. He has a bottle by the sink at school too.
We use Oilatum Plus in the bath every night, and let him soak for 10 minutes.
I keep a tube of Diprobase ointment in my handbag so I can take action as soon as I see him scratching
I wash his hair in TGel, but I don't do it very often.

Eczema: Clothing That Helps

Children with eczema tend to have hotter bodies! I try to dress him in 2 layers rather than one thick jumper. He doesn't wear a vest any more but wears a shirt and a zip up hoodie

He always wears 100% cotton clothes, including his socks, scarf and winter hats. Can be expensive, but Asda is very reasonable and is increasing its range.
He wears special Cotton Comfort pyjamas similar to a babygro which means that when he scratches at night he can't do anywhere near as much damage.
He wears long sleeved shirts, even in the summer. A thin cotton shirt isn't too hot to wear and protects his wrists and elbows from being scratched.

Eczema: Things that You Can do to Help.

There are lots of small changes that I made to our home. I introduced them gradually so that it wasn't too onerous

I always dry his clothes, bedding and towels in the tumble dryer so avoid exposing them to allergens in the garden.
I use dryer balls instead of fabric conditioner. I use Surcare Non Biological washing powder.
We use a mattress and pillow protector under his sheet and pillow case as a barrier against dust mites.
I make sure he doesn't sit near radiators as the heat can make him itchy.
I usually have his bedroom window open slightly, even in the winter. I find it is better to keep him slightly colder than I would want to be.
I hoover his bedroom more often than the rest of the house.
We have got rid of most of our carpets and have bare wood floors which are easy to clean and have less hiding places for allergens.

Eczema is horrible for the sufferer and for those who have to watch! It took over our lives for a long time but now it is more manageable.

We don't let eczema rule our life, we now let our son eat and drink everything instead of avoiding dairy products. We have pets. We let him swim in the sea.

The only things that I draw the line at are swimming in the swimming pool; using face paints; and using bubble bath

How To Live With Eczema

How to Live With Eczema

Eczema: Medicines and Creams That Help

Eczema: Clothing That Helps

Eczema: Things that You Can do to Help.