Eczema Skincare Regime

Try the Elave Eczema and Dermatitis Prone Sensitive Skin Regime for an effective solution to the itch-scratch-itch cycle of dry skin conditions 

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an immunological condition which affects 1 in 10 adults in Ireland. It usually starts in childhood as an itchy red rash which can appear anywhere on the body and may become sore, rough, cracked and blistered. The condition can run in families and may be triggered by a wide range of irritants.

Medical experts put the rise in eczema – up from 3% to 25% inside two generations - down to environmental pollutants and the harsh chemicals we are exposed to in everyday products. These chemicals can show up in dyes, perfumes, preservatives, car exhaust, cigarettes and air pollution. 

Eczema rashes commonly occur on the scalp, cheeks, neck, creases of elbows or knees, buttocks, legs and ankles. The rash may become bumpy, lighten or darken in colour, bubble up and leak fluid. It can also thicken and develop into knots which are permanently itchy.

While eczema can lessen as children get older, it is nevertheless a lifelong condition and there is no cure as such. However, it can be managed very successfully by avoiding irritants, alleviating symptoms, and focusing on healing damaged skin.

Avoid reactant triggers such as perfume and ultraviolet light

The skincare regimen for eczema involves gently washing, moisturising, and protecting the skin from triggers like perfume, and sources of damage, such as UV light. An effective eczema skincare routine will reduce your symptoms, increase skin moisture levels, and help prevent future flare-ups.

Elave Eczema and Dermatitis Prone Sensitive Skin Regime is designed to be used from head to toe and is recommended by pharmacists, and medical and healthcare professionals. Perfect for all skin types, the formulas are made with the finest ingredients and are free from sulfates SLES/SLS, parabens, perfume, formaldehyde, alcohol, soap and colors. They are pediatrician and dermatologist approved and suitable for use by vegans and during pregnancy.

Washing the skin is vital to good hygiene but, for people with eczema, washing also helps remove dead skin cells and bacteria and replenishes moisture levels in the dermis. Long, hot showers will further dry the skin, but it is fine to take a 10-minute shower or bath every day using lukewarm water and a mild, pure, soap-free wash. Make sure to pat, not rub, your skin dry with a soft towel.

Camomile and glycerin cleanse, condition and repair reactant skin

Elave Shampoo is an extremely gentle sulfate-free shampoo suitable for all hair types including dry, damaged, coloured and heat processed hair. The formula combines soothing camomile, conditioning polymers and natural glycerin to cleanse and repair hair. It protects the scalp against dryness and flaking and provides immediate and lasting scalp comfort.

Elave Body Washwith camomile extract, glycerin and vitamin E, is an oil-free, anti-irritation formula which gently cleanses the skin. Camomile contains high levels of an antioxidant which helps to calm and soothe skin, as well as blocking signals in the body known as prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation.Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin and the air. Vitamin E brings new cells to the surface faster to speed up cell turnover, healing and regeneration.

Eczema damages the skin barrier, making it less able to retain water, and making skin with eczema more sensitive to irritants, allergens and bacteria. Moisturisers help seal water into the skin and protect the skin’s outer layer, so every time you bathe or shower, you should immediately moisturise to help trap hydration inside the skin.

Apply a rich, gentle moisturising lotion at least twice daily 

Elave Body Lotion is aclinically proven, emollient rich moisturising lotion containing aloe vera, glycerin and organic camomile.Aloe veramoisturises, soothes and hydrates the skin and supports the production and release of collagen, helping to repair sun damage and slow down the aging process. Apply at least twice a day, or every couple of hours if required.

For heavy duty protection against dry, itchy skin, we recommend Elave Intensive Ointment. Regular use helps prevent flare-ups of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and other dry, itchy, sensitive skin conditions. This steroid-free formula eases itching and softens plaques, replacing the skin’s oils to form a waterproof barrier which prevents water loss.

Keep an Eczema Diary to help pinpoint what triggers your flare-ups. The most common foods to cause reactions include cows' milk, eggs, wheat and peanuts. Soaps and detergents are a common irritant, and you may even find that room scents, scented candles and potpourri start your skin prickling.

Sweat may irritate the skin and worsen itchy symptoms

With finer weather, people tend to exercise more with running, walking, cycling and so on. Naturally, this causes the body to sweat – and the warmer it is, the more you sweat. Sweat has natural moisturising properties for people without eczema, but for sufferers it may irritate the skin and worsen symptoms.

Avoid baby wipes and cosmetic wipes – they may be handy, but the chemicals and synthetic fabrics they use aggravate and dry out the dermis. Warm water on cotton wool is much gentler on the skin.  Wear natural fabrics like silk, linen and cotton in light layers next to your body and avoid synthetic and scratchy materials like wool.

Taking a sensible approach to identifying and avoiding the triggers which spark flare-ups, as well as diligently following a skincare routine using the range of formulas recommended by the Elave Eczema and Dermatitis Prone Sensitive Skin Regime, will help keep your skin supple, smooth and itch free.