*****the competition has now closed and the winner notified*****
As Edward has suffered from eczema since birth I’m proud to help spread awareness of National Eczema Week 2011 which this year runs from 10 to 18 September. National Eczema Week was set up by the National Eczema Society as a way to make people aware of what eczema is and how it can affect sufferers on a day-to-day basis.
We use a variety of products to help keep Edward’s skin soft as there are a broad range of brands, including Dexeryl, Barefoot, Avène and A-Derma, available for treating the skin condition in both children and adults. We were recently sent a couple of new to us products to try out:
A-Derma Exomega Cleansing Oil
This is a lovely gentle cleanser, which cleanses the skin without drying, thanks to its soap-free formula. It is specifically formulated for very dry and eczema prone skins. The cleansing oil is suitable for both the face and body and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or too clean as some products do.
Barefoot’s Daily Rich Body Lotion
Contains a great blend of natural ingredients to help soothe extremely dry and sensitive skin. It’s rich without being greasy and free from petrochemicals including paraffin, parabens & SLS, artificial colours and fragrances, and animal ingredients. It was lovely to apply (I used it on myself too!), nourishes the skin and leaves it feeling really soft.
Giveaway
Readers of the gingerbread house can now try some of these brands for themselves as I have an eczema survival kit to giveaway containing: Avene Thermal Water Spray, A-Derma Cleansing Oil, Dexeryl Cream and Barefoot SOS Barrier Hand Cream.
To enter simply leave me a tip for looking after your skin.
For an extra entry retweet the giveaway using the button below.
Small print
This giveaway consists of one eczema survival kit containing the four products above, will close on the 22rd September 2011 at midnight and is open to UK residents only. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted using the email address or twitter name supplied. If the winner does not reply within 3 days the competition will be redrawn. UK Only. Good luck!
Di Coke
September 14, 2011 at 11:12 pmMy tip is to wash your hands using emolient cream – it cleanses and moisturises! I had to start doing this after having my son as I was constantly washing my hands and my eczema was terrible!
Di Coke
September 14, 2011 at 11:12 pmI’ve tweeted too – @superluckydi 🙂
smiler713@hotmail.co.uk
September 15, 2011 at 10:24 amMy tip is to use oatmeal in ur bath. Put some in a sock and let the water from the tap run through it 🙂
phyllis ellett
September 15, 2011 at 10:37 amMoisturise, moisturise, moisturise has worked for me all my life
@phyllgerry
phyllis ellett
September 15, 2011 at 10:37 amHave re-tweeted with @phyllgerry
paul
September 15, 2011 at 10:54 amI use pears tar soap, find its better than others
Tracy Walker
September 15, 2011 at 12:20 pmDrip plenty of water
Laura
September 15, 2011 at 12:48 pmExfoliate (Sugar scrub works well) and Moisturise
carole maciver
September 15, 2011 at 1:20 pmmoisturise
jenny harper
September 15, 2011 at 3:47 pmuse baby oil after baths on dry legs and moisturise twice a day 🙂
Sue McCarthy
September 15, 2011 at 4:40 pmIf you want to be a sun worshipper, use sun tan lotion and moisturise regularly afterwards.
Farhana Karim
September 15, 2011 at 4:48 pmUse Calendula Lotion from Weleda. It moisturises and soothes my baby’s skin.
Fiona
September 15, 2011 at 4:59 pmgreat prize
claire woods
September 15, 2011 at 7:41 pmMy tip is to use moisturer in the winter and get lots of sun in the summer.
claire woods
September 15, 2011 at 7:42 pmTweeted – @clairew137
Grace Harvey
September 15, 2011 at 7:48 pmMy tip is to drink a lot of water The finest thing 4 ya
Would dearly ♥ 2 win XoX
Kirsten Barthy
September 15, 2011 at 7:53 pmuse non bio liquid washing detergent (we use Fairy) and no softener
alixecwilliams@hotmail.co.uk
September 15, 2011 at 7:54 pmI personally don’t suffer, but my daughter (6) does (which is why I’d love to win this). Tips which seem to ease hers is 1) make sure she gets lots of sleep 2) when she’s going to swimming lessons, put vaseline over thickly as a barrier to the chlorine and 3) Anthisan seems to work better than all the prescription creams we’ve had so far.
Lisa Rowsell
September 15, 2011 at 7:57 pmDrink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins in your body.
Nicole
September 15, 2011 at 7:59 pmAlways use an SPF Cream
Kevin
September 15, 2011 at 8:00 pmNever shower in anything more than lukewarm water. Anything hotter will dry out your skin.
AIMEE SWIFT
September 15, 2011 at 8:10 pmInstead of moisturiser rub dry skin with olive oil, leaves skin softer and less dry patches.
Tracy K Nixon
September 15, 2011 at 8:14 pmI would say cleanse and moisturise every night and DO NOT go to bed leaving your make up on! To wake up with makeup engrained onto your skin and smeared across your face and into your pores would be awful! Instead treat your face every night with a deep moisturising night cream so you wake up with a glow in the morning (and no panda eyes!)
Tracy K Nixon
September 15, 2011 at 8:14 pmI have tweeted too @tracyknixon
Sarah Anguish
September 15, 2011 at 8:19 pmHave some naked time (just make sure the curtains are closed), let your skin breathe
@littleboo_21
Sarah Anguish
September 15, 2011 at 8:19 pmTweeted too
@littleboo_21
Rachael G
September 15, 2011 at 8:31 pmDon’t skip moisturiser even if your skin isn’t red and sore – you still need to slap on the moisturiser to ensure that skin is hydrated and to keep eczema at bay.
Rachael G
September 15, 2011 at 8:31 pmHave also tweeted. @rachiegr
Charlotte Melissa
September 15, 2011 at 8:32 pmThe best way to treat eczema is by always listening to your doctors advice! Never use any cheap branded moisturisers or bubble baths, only those specifically for people with eczema. A handy hint about applying moisturiser is to apply it very gently, rubbing very hard causes the release of histamine which makes your skin more red and itchy 🙂
STUART HARGREAVES
September 15, 2011 at 8:37 pmplenty of sun cream on and then after cream
Sarah W
September 15, 2011 at 9:18 pmMy tip is to not overwash your skin – i’m not suggesting not washing, but particularly with little ones, less can be more sometimes x
Amelia Kennedy
September 15, 2011 at 9:21 pmUse a pure organic facial wash daily to keep your skin clean and clear of grime and make-up, then moisturise with a good organic moisturiser.
Miss Natalie Wallace
September 15, 2011 at 9:28 pmTry not to use too many perfumed products as it can irritate your skin.
Emma Childs
September 15, 2011 at 11:19 pmDont bathe too frequently, strip wash if needed. Use vegetable oil if skin is dry instead of baby oil, vegetable/sunflower oil absorbs into the skin rather than just sealing the skin like baby oil and always use an emoiliant.
Andrew Taylor
September 15, 2011 at 11:28 pmFor 20 + years I have suffered with eczema at first I used to get it on my elbows and on the back of my hands I went to the doctor many times and was told it was an allergy. In the summer months when I rolled my sleeves up it would appear and would become very irritating, I was told maybe I had an allergy to ink from resting on school desks or very sensitive skin and had a reaction to dust or dirt. Each year it gradually got worse, and about 7 years ago I went abroad for the first time to Majorca in the spring when temperatures were 80 degrees plus, my hands, knees and ankles were covered in small red blotches. Since that day I have attempted to cover the sensitive parts of my body up and apply a high factor sun cream before going out in the sun
carol coldicott-stirmey
September 16, 2011 at 12:37 amQuality washing up liquid,as cheaper brands,even with gloves,can do damage
Jane Barrett
September 16, 2011 at 9:43 amMy 4 yr old son has eczemza. My top tip is to keep it moisturised. He really suffers and gets it on his whole body, the worse area is his hands. I smother him in emollient creams but the blasted eczema seems to be winning. It really gets him and me down.
Lesley
September 16, 2011 at 9:51 amHydrate from the inside as well. Drink plenty of water and eat oily fish 3 times a week.
Jonathan Smith
September 16, 2011 at 11:51 amDrink plenty of water and keep the house and bedding clean,get rid of all the dust.
Solange
September 16, 2011 at 2:48 pmCocoa butter is the best
Paul Mellor
September 16, 2011 at 4:29 pmLuke warm showers only with soap free soap and moisturise several time a day
kim mayhead
September 16, 2011 at 4:31 pmAlways rinse thoroughly any detergents that come into contact with your skin, especially on your hands.
kim mayhead
September 16, 2011 at 4:31 pmHave re-tweeted @kimmy2849
Raj Jadunundon
September 16, 2011 at 5:09 pmMy tip is to apply vaseline at places affected, not just that but everywhere, just before you go to sleep, you then wake up in the morning to find your skin looking as beautiful as ever, good sleep is important too.
James C
September 16, 2011 at 5:13 pmMy tip is to moisturise your affected areas at least twice a day and try and not touch/scratch those areas at all
Robyn Clarke
September 16, 2011 at 6:43 pmAfter bathing/showering make sure that you dry properly and then use a good moisturiser
@robynlclarke
Joy
September 16, 2011 at 8:15 pmDon’t use hot water, and don’t wash too much.
Natty
September 16, 2011 at 8:20 pmrub butter into your face at night then wash it off for silky smooth skin
jemma webley
September 16, 2011 at 8:39 pmMy tip is to use moisturisers that don’t contain lanolin as many suffers react to this substance.Check the bottle,lots of creams for dry skin/eczema contain it.
laura stewart
September 16, 2011 at 9:17 pmeat the right things
laura jones
September 16, 2011 at 9:58 pmdrinking water is the best way to improve your skin as it works from inside but shows outside
kayleigh
September 16, 2011 at 11:59 pmI would say to moisturise, also wash it with a cold flannel each night before bed.
Jessica
September 17, 2011 at 6:21 amIf your child has sensitive skin stop using shampoos and soaps. Opt for an emolient or plain water to wash with. As they get older make sure you’re using products that are as simple and natural as possible. Mainstream brands put a whole host of concoctions in their products that react adversly with sensitive skin.
Judy Wright
September 17, 2011 at 8:18 amMoisturise
Lisbeth
September 17, 2011 at 9:31 amMy tip is to wash less often!!! Although when my toddler daughter had eczema the GP told me to stop giving her dairy products and that cleared it for her – no eczema for 8 years now, fingers crossed!
helen harris
September 17, 2011 at 12:15 pmMy tip is to moisturise all the time! carry it round with you in your bag, have some near every sink so you can do your hands after washing and have some by your bed! have retweeted your tweet as @picklepie35 😀
Galina V
September 17, 2011 at 9:19 pmUse Oilatum bath oil or Aveeno bath oil when you have a bath.
My older son has had problems with eczema all his life, on and off.
I find Aveeno range helpful, though we tried so many. Diprobase and the Aquaous cream prescribed by GPs are a No-no, they never worked for us. Would be great to try new products. Thank you!
Sara
September 18, 2011 at 2:25 amMy main tip is wash clothes in natural wahing products this makes such a difference.
Galina V
September 18, 2011 at 10:01 amRetweeted as @maximka25
Thank you!
Martin Ball
September 18, 2011 at 10:27 amMy tip to look after your skin on your face is to wash it twice a day with warm water and a mild soap and gently massage it with circular motions. If you overwash or scrub, this can cause skin to become irritated. After cleansing, apply an over-the-counter moisturiser to keep it soft and healthy looking
helena haddock
September 18, 2011 at 10:44 amI moistourise ecery day, and use baby wipes for my face
emmavn79@yahoo.co.uk
September 18, 2011 at 12:31 pmwear suncream everyday, even in winter!
emmavn79@yahoo.co.uk
September 18, 2011 at 12:31 pmtweeted comp too
@emmav6
ANNE TIERNAN
September 18, 2011 at 4:51 pmPUT OATMEAL IN A MUSLIN BAG AND LET THE TAP WATER RUN THROUGH IT
Christine Howorth
September 18, 2011 at 5:19 pmbaby products help, baby lotion and baby oil
becky
September 18, 2011 at 6:09 pmBaby oil in the bath 🙂
becky
September 18, 2011 at 6:10 pmI have also re tweeted as beckywoolstone 🙂
Kim Howes
September 18, 2011 at 6:31 pmUse a quality moistouriser, and use it daily.
@miakimmy on twitter x
Dianne Parrinder
September 18, 2011 at 7:22 pmnever wash your face with soap, always cleanse
sarah clegg
September 18, 2011 at 9:08 pmalways moisterize,and use facial washes not soap as this dries your skin out
x
sarah clegg
September 18, 2011 at 9:08 pmive retweeted by name of sarahclegg2
NICOLA T
September 18, 2011 at 9:23 pmI never use soap on my face as it just dries my skin out. I use facial cleanser or wipes for sensitive skin then moisurise asap afterwards
jane steels
September 18, 2011 at 9:24 pmDrink plenty of water.
Hayley Todd
September 19, 2011 at 10:02 amI always drink plenty of water, for my face I always ensure all traces of make-up have been removed and then I cleanse, tone + moisturise (using either a day or night moisturiser). I have extremely dry eczema prone skin on my body and itch terribly after any bath or shower, so I use Oilatum Bath Formula followed by the moisturiser and find this leaves my skin extremely soft and non-itchy.
Laura Pritchard
September 19, 2011 at 11:40 am8 hours of sleep really improves my skin.
Laura Pritchard
September 19, 2011 at 11:41 amHave tweeted the giveaway @Isis1981uk
Kerrie
September 19, 2011 at 5:09 pmmy best tip is to use a facial scrub with those micro beads, its leaves my skin sooooo soft afterwards & feels great
Kerrie
September 19, 2011 at 5:10 pmtweeted @kemo_2002
sean
September 19, 2011 at 5:10 pmfrom somebody who suffers from eczema, never leave you skin to become dry, alway use a really good moisturiser!
vicky haddock
September 19, 2011 at 7:11 pmI use aquarious cream, it can be used as a moisturiser and as a soap subistuate
Sheila
September 19, 2011 at 8:51 pmNo matter what time of year watch out for the sun and moisturise as your skin needs lots of tlc.
carol egan
September 20, 2011 at 9:47 amI’ve only got a small patch of eczema on my eyelid but boy does it itch andI find that taking cod liver oil helps. I’ve noticed if I forget for a few days the scaliness and itching comes back with a vengeance.
amanda egglestone
September 20, 2011 at 12:12 pmDrink lots of water throughtout the day
V Billington
September 20, 2011 at 1:27 pmThe only thing I use on my skin is pure wheatgerm (vitamin E) oil.
Its natural, rich and super-cheap!
Mix it in with a handful of salt for a good body/hand scrub.
edward
September 20, 2011 at 4:46 pmNever use soap on your face — just water
alexandra ball
September 20, 2011 at 6:28 pmalways use the same soap and washing powder. do not alter from the brand you use if it works for you.
caroline hird
September 20, 2011 at 7:08 pmi add essential oils to a non-fragranced moisturiser – that way i can design my own fragrance, the oils are great for my skin but also helps me get a good nights sleep which is also good for my skin
Maria Knight
September 20, 2011 at 8:17 pmFor super soft feet (before the night before a night out/wedding on somewhere your feet will be on display) smother your feet with a thick moisturiser,pop some socks on and snooze your head off….the next morning your feet with me baby soft! I promise!
Maddy
September 20, 2011 at 10:16 pmIf you scratch your poor skin raw while you’re still asleep, pop a pair of thin cotton trainer socks over your hands at night so your nails won’t rip your skin.
torryrachel@gmail.com
September 20, 2011 at 10:42 pmMoisturise at least 3 times a day!!
Clare White
September 21, 2011 at 7:05 amKeep away frmo recycled water, my little boy suffers terrrible when this is the case. I also always carry his prescribed cream abroad even if his skin is OK, as he always reacts to the sunlotion or the water there.
Tracey Belcher
September 21, 2011 at 8:27 ammoisturise is my biggest tip like many have already put on here – BUT – make sure you pick the right moisturiser for you and make sure it is dry before covering with any clothing!
Isobelle Forde
September 21, 2011 at 8:29 amTry using virgin coconut oil , its very softening and can help to restore the protective layer of your skin and reduce inflammation (gotta be virgin though, not the cheaper version but it lasts for ages and doesnt go rancid).
Isobelle Forde
September 21, 2011 at 8:32 amHave tweeted also!
@mountaingirlee4
Nancy Bradford
September 21, 2011 at 10:22 amI add a few drops of lavender oil to ordinary gylcerine (in the baking section). I put this on before moisturising or makeup. It really helps control dry skin (old folk remedy).
Leah Maddocks
September 21, 2011 at 11:05 amBasically use as little as possible on your skin, especially face. Warm water and maybe a little dove bar. I have really good skin and I don’t use a moisturiser on my face.
Maya Russell
September 21, 2011 at 11:12 amBio-Oil is nice and soothing – but don’t get it in the eyes!
Maya Russell
September 21, 2011 at 11:14 amRetweeted using the button. @maisietoo
Amanda Williams
September 21, 2011 at 11:20 amBefore doing dirty jobs ,like decorating or gardening, rub vaseline into your hands, well. It makes them easier to clean, so washing afterwards is less abrasive.
EMMA AITKEN
September 21, 2011 at 12:10 pmKeep hydrated and moisterised at all times and if it gets bad go see the doctor straight away. I have extremely bad eczema and sometimes i can’t even walk due to cracks on my feet. i work very hard not to get it into that situation but i suffer from a lot of allergies too so at times it’s hard to keep it at bay. Just know your body and seek help if it worsens.
Binky
September 21, 2011 at 1:03 pmI suffered from eczema for years until a tip from a locum GP helped. Use Dove Body Silk as a moisturiser. It cleared mine up in no time and I’ve never been bothered since. I buy it when its on offer in the shops, usually buy about 10 at a time, which is a big out lay, but saves a fortune in the long run.
My mother, who has just turned 80, has used dove like me for years and recently, when she was travelling to the local market town by bus, she was asked to show her bus pass as the driver didn’t beleive her. totally made her day! LOL
Hope the tip helps someone, but really its a case of finding something that suits you, we are all different! Sorry my phone and I have no idea how to tweet! But I will be emailing my friends to let them know about your blog. X
lorna anderson
September 21, 2011 at 1:17 pmeat lots of fruit and veg
Samantha
September 21, 2011 at 1:24 pmolive oil instead of baby oil is my top tip
Samantha
September 21, 2011 at 1:25 pmtweeted @lillyfer85
meena
September 21, 2011 at 2:13 pmtweeted anteenawin
i find swimming in local pool softens the skin, putting on the cream after my skin is a lot softer
dave johnston
September 21, 2011 at 2:16 pmMayonaise ! Believe me in the best
Lorna Totton
September 21, 2011 at 3:46 pmAlways protect skin from the sun, all year round with a good SPF.
Pauline
September 21, 2011 at 3:50 pmI have had eczema since very young. Since changing milk to goats milk, I have been very much better.
deborahmarlow@hotmail.com
September 21, 2011 at 3:54 pmafter every bath and shower – miosturise
Jennifer Kelly
September 21, 2011 at 4:44 pmOilutum is a fantastic product, a little in the bath each time you bathe keeps your skin hydrated 🙂 We swear by it in our house x
Jennifer Kelly
September 21, 2011 at 4:45 pmHave also tweeted 🙂
Thank you
@MrsD_Winchester x
Susie
September 21, 2011 at 5:28 pmTo combat scratching in your sleep, wear a pair of thin cotton gloves to bed(some tanning gloves will do the job). It may feel a little odd at first but you soon get used to it.
Clementina
September 21, 2011 at 5:33 pmMy tip is dry bodybrushing before you wash. Make sure you start from the feet upwards. Your skin will be silky smooth afterwards. Don’t forget the moisturiser 😉
IJ
September 21, 2011 at 6:28 pmeat plenty of avocado and walnuts, drink plenty of water, use ecoballs to wash your clothes and avoid getting stressed!
Heather
September 21, 2011 at 6:59 pmsimple – sleep and water!
Heather
September 21, 2011 at 6:59 pmtweeted
@kiki_725
rachel C
September 21, 2011 at 7:16 pmI swear by these tips for keeping my littluns eczema under control – and my skin looking great: moisturise after every wash with organic creams, use organic face hair and body washes, and use natural detergent and fabric softeners. And drink lots and lots of water!
jillrhianna@hotmail.co.uk
September 21, 2011 at 7:30 pmAlways take your make-up off before bed!!
Emma Howard
September 21, 2011 at 8:41 pmMy tip is to drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside
William Oag
September 21, 2011 at 8:43 pmI had this disease when I was only an infant, and the next door neighbour
cane in and told my mother to stop washind me with water and just clean me with olive oil. this lasted one month and after that I had no problens at all.
Helen
September 21, 2011 at 8:49 pmDrink plenty of water everyday, don’t wait til you feel thirsty, make an effort to have at least a glass of water with every meal. Cut out cafine filled drinks inbetween, meals and replace them with water.
And of course mosturise but if you suffer with eczma then you already know how important that is.
laura banks
September 21, 2011 at 9:14 pmif i’ve got a spot i always put toothpaste on it
Jon Payne
September 21, 2011 at 9:29 pmI find allergenics is an excellent cream, much better than the petrolium based ones.
JimJam
September 21, 2011 at 9:33 pmUse Lush products, they’re amazing!!!
Tracey Hancock
September 21, 2011 at 9:46 pmUsing the full range of Aveeno products (free on prescription if you live in Wales!) helps keep skin soft & hydrated and cheap disposable gloves from Poundland help prevent breakouts when using cleaning products.
Angie
September 21, 2011 at 9:50 pmeating a balanced varied diet and taking my multivitamins and omega 3 oils really works for me
Andrea Balderstone
September 21, 2011 at 9:59 pmI have suffered from eczema since being a baby and I suffer the most on my hands. At its worst I have open sores which are itchy and weep. Awful I know but I find that if I smother my hands in my hydrocortisone and put cotton gloves on as I go to bed this allows the cream to soak into my skin overnight without rubbing off. But beware don’t wash the cotton gloves in washing powder, just invest in new gloves as often as you can.
Joanne Green
September 21, 2011 at 10:32 pmInvest in some Aveeno Colloidal Bath & Shower Oil with Colloidal Oatmeal. I use it neat to cleanse my face, removing all trace of makeup, add to my bath to sooth skin, use as an all over cleanser and apply thinly as a moisturising oil too. It’s a product that seems to do everything.
Danielle
September 22, 2011 at 1:45 amBaby oil in the bath works for me
Katrina Foley
September 22, 2011 at 8:03 amOatmeal and honey baths are excellent for softening skin and follow with comfrey ointment/cream this has been really successful in keeping my daughter’s skin in good condition
emboit@hotmail.co.uk
September 22, 2011 at 9:27 amMoisturise, moisturise, moisturise! From head to toe everyday, it may be a chore but it will pay off when you’re older! 🙂
Emma Boitoult
September 22, 2011 at 9:29 amHave also tweeted @duckard12 🙂
Emma Boitoult
September 22, 2011 at 9:33 amMoisturise, moisturise, moisturise! From head to toe everyday, it may be a chore but it will pay off when you are older! 🙂 X
Ann calland
September 22, 2011 at 10:35 amUse non bio washing powder and less stress in your life.
Hollie Cheadle
September 22, 2011 at 11:29 amMy tip is to try cutting out lactose. I have switched to lactofree products and noticed a huge difference in my ezcema.
Clare Davey
September 22, 2011 at 12:16 pmMy tip is bodyshop hemp cream – fabulous for both me and my son.
Nicole S.
September 22, 2011 at 1:36 pmMy tip is to never let your skin get dry, constantly moisturise.
Ian Worthington
September 22, 2011 at 4:27 pmDrink plenty of water!
anita oliver
September 22, 2011 at 5:12 pmbaby oil 🙂
isabelle smith
September 22, 2011 at 5:41 pmmoisturise 🙂 morning & night!
jackie rushton
September 22, 2011 at 6:28 pmMy tip is to to leave a thin layer of water over your face just before applying moisturiser to lock in extra moisture and get rid of dry skin.
srobbo71@aol.com
September 22, 2011 at 7:11 pmMy tip is to use a non greasy moisturiser on your face to avoid clogged pores and spots x
srobbo71@aol.com
September 22, 2011 at 7:11 pmI have tweeted the comp @srobbo71
Kelly Padwick
September 22, 2011 at 9:13 pmDont overwash! Washing alot may make your children smell nice but it will strip their skin of natural oils x