There’s nothing worse than an itch you can’t scratch and eczema is the ultimate itch. The condition affects about one in 12 adults and one in five children and results in dry, itchy, red skin. There are several different types, ranging from mild to severe and including atopic eczema – the most common form – and contact eczema, which may be caused by irritants such as detergents.

“Eczema is a very complicated disorder,” says Dr Mark Goodfield, consultant dermatologist at Leeds general infirmary. “It’s associated with the gene filaggrin, which affects the ability of skin to hang onto moisture.”

Irritants and allergens, such as the house dust mite, make it worse, as can soap. Cases of eczema have increased threefold in the past 30 years, and one reason may be that we live in well insulated houses with central heating and fitted carpets. Wooden floors can help some sufferers.

Eczema cannot be cured but it can be controlled with emollients: oils that disperse in the bath; oils used as soap substitutes; or oils applied directly to the skin. At home, regular vacuuming can help, as can wet dusting and wearing cotton clothes.

Cold weather can make eczema worse, and stress can prompt a flare-up. But one other thing that helps is ultraviolet light. “Lots of patients feel better if they get a bit of sea and sun,” says Goodfield.

“There are even some parts of the world that prescribe it.” Book a holiday – it’s doctor’s orders.

TAKING IT FURTHER

www.bsch.org.uk The British Society of Clinical Hypnosis has a list of practitioners who can help eczema flare-ups caused by stress

www.eczema.org The only organisation in the UK dedicated to supporting eczema sufferers, it has a free-phone helpline 0800 0891122

www.nationaleczema.org Take the quick quiz at this site to see if psycho-dermatology treatment (see above) might help with your eczema

Tips for sufferers

Hotspots Eczema can occur anywhere on the body but is most common in the so-called flexural areas (inside the elbows, and the backs of knees) and behind the neck and ears

Clenched fist Scratching makes eczema worse. Clenching your fists for 30 seconds is a good distraction technique

House dust mite This minuscule pest colonises beds and its excretions cause irritation. Kill it by putting your pillow in the freezer every few weeks

Kit Bag
Essential gear for tackling eczema

Bionaire compact ultrasonic humidifier– typically £35 from www.johnlewis.com

Dry air will make eczema worse so a humidifier will in theory help relieve some of the symptoms, especially for someone who works in a dry office for long hours.

Holland & Barrett aloe vera juice drink 540ml – typically £2.74 from www.hollandandbarrett.com

“There is some scientific work showing aloe vera has antiseptic and antiinflammatory properties,” says Dr Mark Goodfield, a consultant dermatologist, “but as with any over-the-counter preparation, people may become allergic to the preservatives.”

Skin Deep: A Mind/Body Program for Healthy Skin by Ted Grossbart & Carl Sherman – typically £6.80 from www.amazon. co.uk

An alternative approach to breaking the hard-to-resist itch-scratch cycle is offered by Grossbart, an American clinical psychologist. He says skin problems such as eczema can be helped with relaxation techniques and hypnosis.

HC45 hydrocortisone cream – typically £2.95 from www.boots.co.uk

Emollients are effective moisturisers that keep skin soft to reduce itching. They work by restoring natural moisture, lipids and oils and this helps to create a barrier. Stronger treatments often contain steroids but this low-dose hydrocortisone cream is available without prescription.

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