Living with Atopic Eczema- Understanding the Causes

The more you know about the disease the easier it is to do. What is best for your skin? Information is ideally obtained from your doctor, the National Eczema Society, or a similar group. Reading articles in magazines often gives a distorted picture.

Clothes

Many synthetic materials and wool will irritate the skin so most eczema sufferers wear cotton whenever possible. It is smooth on the skin and feels cool, especially if loose fitting clothes are worn. You may be able to get all the clothes you require locally by using the Yellow pages and ringing around.

Some specialist companies do a mail order service. Washing clothes is another source of trouble because the washing powders, bleaches and fabric conditioners may all irritate the skin. No product is ideal and some may suit most people but not everyone. It is very important to have a good rinsing facility so that all the detergent is washed out.

Housework and Daily Living

Many people with normal skin find that their skin dries out and cracks after a lot of dishwashing, clothes washing, etc. Those with eczema have even greater trouble and should try to wear cotton gloves under rubber ones for wet work. Other chemicals may irritate the skin – e.g. polishes, aerosols, waxes – and care should be taken. Children may develop irritation from handling chalk, sand and other abrasive materials.

It is not a good idea to keep the house hot. Modem central heating and double glazing make it possible to have a very warm house, but it usually makes itching worse.

Humidifiers are not recommended because they can increase the growth of moulds and house dust mites.

Dust

The dust mite lives in dust and there is reasonable evidence that some eczema sufferers are made worse by exposure to high levels of dust. This does not mean that everyone should obsessionally avoid dust, but because it is difficult to predict who is affected some general measures are worthwhile.

A good vacuum cleaner should be used regularly and in the bedroom damp dusting may be helpful. The heaviest load of dust mite is on bedding, furniture and carpets and in the bedroom it may be worth having a wooden or vinyl floor covering and no loose chair covers. Continental quilts and pillows should be filled with synthetic fibers.

Cosmetics

Care must be taken with all products that are used to make the skin look gorgeous, feel great or smell nicer. The skin of an atopic is more sensitive and may react badly, even if it does not cause an allergy.

However, I am not suggesting that atopics should not have the benefit and fun of using a wide range of cosmetics but care should be taken. It may be worth trying a small area on the arm first. When your skin is badly inflamed it is best to avoid cosmetics.

Leisure Activities

Oils, paints, thinners and many other substances used for hobbies can damage the skin and should be avoided. Many sports are possible but for the worst affected contact sports such as rugby may prove very uncomfortable. Holidays are generally beneficial but be careful not to bum in the sun.