A GP will work with you both to establish what might trigger the eczema flare-ups, although it may get better or worse for no obvious reason. When trying to identify potential triggers, keep in mind that an eczema flare can appear sometime after exposure.
There are several things that may trigger your eczema
symptoms. These can vary from person to person.
Common triggers include:
- irritants such as soaps and detergents
- environmental factors or allergens
- food allergies
- certain materials are worn next to the skin
- hormonal changes
- skin infections
- changes in temperature or humidity
Avoid Triggers
Once you know your triggers, you can try to avoid
them.
For example:
- if certain fabrics irritate your skin, avoid wearing these and stick to soft, fine-weave clothing or natural materials such as sericin-free silk. DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing is clinically proven to calm sensitive skin in adults and children. The smooth fabric is ideal for eczema sufferers and the bonded antimicrobial reduces bacterial contamination, keeping the fabric clean and fresh – perfect for soothing and preventing flare ups.
- if heat aggravates your eczema, keep the rooms in your home cool, especially the bedroom. Light, breathable fabrics are most likely to prevent itching. DermaTherapy’s antimicrobial, micro-fibre sheets reduce bacteria and wick away excessive heat and moisture. In addition, DermaTherapy fabrics are woven from a strong, continuous-filament yarn that creates a consistently smooth, silk-like surface. Friction with the skin is reduced, minimising irritation, resulting in a superior quality of sleep.
- avoid using soaps or detergents that may affect your skin – use soap substitutes instead
Emollients
In addition to making the skin feel less dry, emollients may also have a mild anti-inflammatory role and can help reduce the number of flare-ups you have. Emollients have a very important role not only in treating flare-ups but actually working to prevent them in the first place. Eczema is a very personal condition, so it may take a while to find an emollient that suits your child best. They come in a wide variety of forms: creams, ointments, lotions, gels and sprays, each suit different situations, body parts and of course, personal preference.
During a flare-up, your child may require a larger amount of emollient applied more frequently. When using DermaSilk alongside emollients, ensure the emollient cream is applied in a thin layer, in the direction the hair grows and wait before applying topical steroids or putting on DermaSilk garments. Watch our application demonstration video.
Topical Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids came in many forms, most eczema treatments come as creams or lotions. They are used on the skin to treat swelling, itching and irritation, and work by acting inside the skin cells to stop the release of the chemicals that cause swelling, redness and itching.
When using a topical corticosteroid:
- apply your emollient first and ideally, wait around 30 minutes until the emollient has soaked into your skin, or apply the corticosteroid at a different time of day (such as night)
- apply the recommended amount of the topical corticosteroid to the affected area
- continue to use it until 48 hours after the flare-up has cleared so the inflammation under the skin surface is treated
Antihistamines
If itching during a flare-up affects your sleep, a GP may
suggest taking a sedating antihistamine.
Sedating antihistamines can cause drowsiness into the following day, so it may be helpful to let your child's school know they may not be as alert as normal.
Always follow your GP or Dermatologist’s recommendations when it comes to prescription medication.
To learn more about how DermaSilk can help with eczema visit our website.
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