ECZEMA EXPLAINED: Why you have it, triggers and treatments

Whether you've been feeling the red and raw effects of eczema for years, or are new to dealing the dry itchy skin, there are a few basic questions that are often left unanswered.

Like why you even have it in the first place? The best way to soothe your skin? How to prevent a flare-up?

So we caught up with Bao-Tam Phan, general skin expert and pharmacist at to get a few answers.Eczema can flare up at any time of the year What is eczema exactly and how do I spot it? It is a non-contagious inflammatory skin condition that can affect children and adults. Skin may be very dry, itchy, scaly, cracked and inflamed. It often affects the creases of body joints (e.g. back of knees or inside of elbows).

So what can trigger a flare up?

Different people find different creams work best for them. This may even be a different cream at different times of the day. Creams which are often effective include Dexeryl (available from pharmacies) with white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, emulsifying ointment and many others. While the A-DERMA skincare range uses soothing Rheaba Oat, and the Eau Thermale Avne Trixera+ cream has great anti-itch properties.

Always put the cream onto the skin in quick downwards strokes, as it will stop the cream from getting into the skin's pores and leading to spots. Apply as regularly as you can, even as often as four times a day.

If the skin is very itchy use a cooling spray such as the Avne Thermal Water Spray on the patch to soothe and alleviate the sensation.

Can I prevent eczema from flaring up again? It's important to keep on using a good moisturising routine to keep the skin supple, as this can help to stop the eczema from coming back. Make sure you take time to relax too, so that you can limit the effects of stress on your eczema.

Did you find Bao-Tam Phan's advice helpful? Share your own eczema tips below...

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ECZEMA EXPLAINED: Why you have it, triggers and treatments