As well as using emollients and steroids, there are other things that patients can try which may help to reduce the severity of their eczema. However, you should remind them that eczema is a very individual condition and what works for one person won’t always work for another[2,4]:

1. Bathing - Soaps, bubble bath and other highly perfumed additives tend to make the skin dry and itchy. Suggest that sufferers opt for a short bath in warm water using a bath oil and soap free cleanser. They should pat skin dry, not rub, and apply emollients while the skin is still damp
2. Clothing - Cotton is better than some synthetic fibres as it keeps the skin cool and allows it to breathe. Wool can irritate the skin
3. Washing powders - Biological and low-temperature washing powders can contain enzymes that may cause skin problems. Non-biological powders are less likely to irritate. Avoiding the use of fabric softeners may also help
4. Irritants - Encourage patients (especially those with contact dermatitis) to work out which things seem to make their eczema flare-up so that they can avoid them. For example, if a sufferer knows that nickel or rubber triggers their eczema, they should avoid these substances as much as possible. Protective gloves and barrier creams help to reduce contact with the skin
5. Dust mites - House dust mites are a recognised trigger for atopic eczema. Special vacuum cleaners, sprays and bedding are available to help reduce exposure
6. Stress - Suggest sufferers try a stress management technique such as yoga or massage to help keep their eczema under control
7. Scratching - Fingernails should be kept short to prevent damage from scratching. Young children can wear cotton mittens at night to stop them scratching in their sleep
8. Avoid dehydration - drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to raise the fluid content of the skin.

<PRACTICE POINT>
What lifestyle advice would you give to the following customers?

1. A young lady with an itchy red rash over her body.  She has just used a new shower gel.
2. A car mechanic with sore, itchy hands.
3. A woman with a rash on her earlobes, which appeared after wearing new ear rings.