Useful tips to beat the eczema itch

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Here's the plan to freeing yourself from the itch-scratch-itch cycle.

Whether you are unfortunate enough to be born with eczema or you develop it in later life, the skin condition can be painful, embarrassing and debilitating. What can be done to get your skin back on track? Here are our tips from the health experts.

Eczema is red, flaky and itchy skin, which will often crack and weep. The most common type of eczema is atopic (caused by allergies), but people may suffer from contact eczema (flare-ups after touching allergens such as nickel or rubber), discoid (which occurs in coin-shaped patches), or seborrheic (eczema of the scalp).

A topic eczema is in your genes, and often goes hand-in-hand with hay fever and asthma. You can send eczema into remission, but you'll always have it - it's a case of whether you have symptoms or not. The aim of the treatment is to keep people free from flare-ups.

Although you may be genetically predisposed to eczema, it can only be set off by a trigger, which could be anything from nuts to dog hair, wool to cigarette smoke, and establishing what it is, is key to treatment.

Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is vital for recovery. Scratching may offer temporary relief, but it actually triggers the release of a chemical called histamine which just causes more itching.

Scratching damages the skin and may allow bacteria that normally lives on the surface to get in and cause infection. Keep nails short, and whenever you get the urge to have a scratch, massage the itchy area with moisturiser using the pads of your fingertips.

Most people will need to try a few treatments before they find one that works for them. The best way to treat eczema is moisturising. You need to grease yourself up like a cross-Channel swimmer. Cover your body with moisturiser morning and night, and keep a pot in your bag to top up during the day.

Your doctor can prescribe different emollients, but not all of them will work for everyone. Apply after a shower when the skin's still damp to help trap in moisture. Do this rigorously, even when you don't have symptoms.

Don't panic if your favourite cream stops working - you may need to switch between a couple of brands.

For cases of severe eczema, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who can prescribe steroid cream, special bandages and wet wraps, or even ultraviolet light therapy. Although steroids may have nasty side-effects if used long term, a short course is perfectly safe. If left untreated, severe eczema can cause lichenification, which causes the skin to become thick and leathery.

There are plenty of ways you can soothe your skin naturally. Make sure your sheets are cotton, which is kinder to the skin than synthetic materials - you could even try wearing cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching.

Take a couple of handfuls of oatbran and pop it in a muslin bag or old pair of tights. Hang it from your shower head to soothe sore skin.

If a bath full of porridge doesn't appeal, try aloe vera gel - keep it in the fridge so it's cool and refreshing, or drink aloe vera juice. Coconut oil is favoured by many sufferers - choose an organic, cold pressed variety and rub onto damp skin.

There is often a link with your state of mind and your skin, so set aside time to relax. It is common for eczema to flare up during stressful periods, such as a break-up. Reduce stress through meditation, yoga or therapy. It's also important to get enough sleep.

Food allergies or sensitivities can be a common trigger for many eczema sufferers. Cow's milk is a well-known culprit, but other common problem foods include eggs, soya and wheat. Dermats suggest considering a food elimination diet, which involves cutting out trigger foods for a period of time and then gradually reintroducing them to see if they cause a flare-up.

Certain foods can promote inflammation - it's worth trying to reduce your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and highly processed and deep-fried foods. Keep a symptom and food diary to see if you can establish any links between what you eat and the state of your eczema.

For happy skin, make sure you eat plenty of foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, flaxseeds and walnuts. Opt for low glycemic, whole carbohydrate sources such as oats, quinoa and sweet potato, as well as low-sugar fruits such as berries, apples and pears. All types of eczema can potentially be improved by changes in diet.