*****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!
My 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!
I’ve tweeted too – @superluckydi 🙂
My tip is to use oatmeal in ur bath. Put some in a sock and let the water from the tap run through it 🙂
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise has worked for me all my life
@phyllgerry
Have re-tweeted with @phyllgerry
I use pears tar soap, find its better than others
Drip plenty of water
Exfoliate (Sugar scrub works well) and Moisturise
moisturise
use baby oil after baths on dry legs and moisturise twice a day 🙂
If you want to be a sun worshipper, use sun tan lotion and moisturise regularly afterwards.
Use Calendula Lotion from Weleda. It moisturises and soothes my baby’s skin.
great prize
My tip is to use moisturer in the winter and get lots of sun in the summer.
Tweeted – @clairew137
My tip is to drink a lot of water The finest thing 4 ya
Would dearly ♥ 2 win XoX
use non bio liquid washing detergent (we use Fairy) and no softener
I 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.
Drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins in your body.
Always use an SPF Cream
Never shower in anything more than lukewarm water. Anything hotter will dry out your skin.
Instead of moisturiser rub dry skin with olive oil, leaves skin softer and less dry patches.
I 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!)
I have tweeted too @tracyknixon
Have some naked time (just make sure the curtains are closed), let your skin breathe
@littleboo_21
Tweeted too
@littleboo_21
Don’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.
Have also tweeted. @rachiegr
The 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 🙂
plenty of sun cream on and then after cream
My tip is to not overwash your skin – i’m not suggesting not washing, but particularly with little ones, less can be more sometimes x
Use 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.
Try not to use too many perfumed products as it can irritate your skin.
Dont 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.
For 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
Quality washing up liquid,as cheaper brands,even with gloves,can do damage
My 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.
Hydrate from the inside as well. Drink plenty of water and eat oily fish 3 times a week.
Drink plenty of water and keep the house and bedding clean,get rid of all the dust.
Cocoa butter is the best
Luke warm showers only with soap free soap and moisturise several time a day
Always rinse thoroughly any detergents that come into contact with your skin, especially on your hands.
Have re-tweeted @kimmy2849
My 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.
My tip is to moisturise your affected areas at least twice a day and try and not touch/scratch those areas at all
After bathing/showering make sure that you dry properly and then use a good moisturiser
@robynlclarke
Don’t use hot water, and don’t wash too much.
rub butter into your face at night then wash it off for silky smooth skin
My 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.
eat the right things
drinking water is the best way to improve your skin as it works from inside but shows outside
I would say to moisturise, also wash it with a cold flannel each night before bed.
If 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.
Moisturise
My 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!
My 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 😀
Use 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!
My main tip is wash clothes in natural wahing products this makes such a difference.
Retweeted as @maximka25
Thank you!
My 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
I moistourise ecery day, and use baby wipes for my face
wear suncream everyday, even in winter!
tweeted comp too
@emmav6
PUT OATMEAL IN A MUSLIN BAG AND LET THE TAP WATER RUN THROUGH IT
baby products help, baby lotion and baby oil
Baby oil in the bath 🙂
I have also re tweeted as beckywoolstone 🙂
Use a quality moistouriser, and use it daily.
@miakimmy on twitter x
never wash your face with soap, always cleanse
always moisterize,and use facial washes not soap as this dries your skin out
x
ive retweeted by name of sarahclegg2
I 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
Drink plenty of water.
I 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.
8 hours of sleep really improves my skin.
Have tweeted the giveaway @Isis1981uk
my best tip is to use a facial scrub with those micro beads, its leaves my skin sooooo soft afterwards & feels great
tweeted @kemo_2002
from somebody who suffers from eczema, never leave you skin to become dry, alway use a really good moisturiser!
I use aquarious cream, it can be used as a moisturiser and as a soap subistuate
No matter what time of year watch out for the sun and moisturise as your skin needs lots of tlc.
I’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.
Drink lots of water throughtout the day
The 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.
Never use soap on your face — just water
always use the same soap and washing powder. do not alter from the brand you use if it works for you.
i 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
For 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!
If 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.
Moisturise at least 3 times a day!!
Keep 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.
moisturise 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!
Try 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).
Have tweeted also!
@mountaingirlee4
I 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).
Basically 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.
Bio-Oil is nice and soothing – but don’t get it in the eyes!
Retweeted using the button. @maisietoo
Before 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.
Keep 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.
I 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
eat lots of fruit and veg
olive oil instead of baby oil is my top tip
tweeted @lillyfer85
tweeted anteenawin
i find swimming in local pool softens the skin, putting on the cream after my skin is a lot softer
Mayonaise ! Believe me in the best
Always protect skin from the sun, all year round with a good SPF.
I have had eczema since very young. Since changing milk to goats milk, I have been very much better.
after every bath and shower – miosturise
Oilutum 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
Have also tweeted 🙂
Thank you
@MrsD_Winchester x
To 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.
My 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 😉
eat plenty of avocado and walnuts, drink plenty of water, use ecoballs to wash your clothes and avoid getting stressed!
simple – sleep and water!
tweeted
@kiki_725
I 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!
Always take your make-up off before bed!!
My tip is to drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside
I 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.
Drink 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.
if i’ve got a spot i always put toothpaste on it
I find allergenics is an excellent cream, much better than the petrolium based ones.
Use Lush products, they’re amazing!!!
Using 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.
eating a balanced varied diet and taking my multivitamins and omega 3 oils really works for me
I 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.
Invest 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.
Baby oil in the bath works for me
Oatmeal 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
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! From head to toe everyday, it may be a chore but it will pay off when you’re older! 🙂
Have also tweeted @duckard12 🙂
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! From head to toe everyday, it may be a chore but it will pay off when you are older! 🙂 X
Use non bio washing powder and less stress in your life.
My tip is to try cutting out lactose. I have switched to lactofree products and noticed a huge difference in my ezcema.
My tip is bodyshop hemp cream – fabulous for both me and my son.
My tip is to never let your skin get dry, constantly moisturise.
Drink plenty of water!
baby oil 🙂
moisturise 🙂 morning & night!
My 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.
My tip is to use a non greasy moisturiser on your face to avoid clogged pores and spots x
I have tweeted the comp @srobbo71
Dont overwash! Washing alot may make your children smell nice but it will strip their skin of natural oils x