I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin – here's how I finally got it under control…
Eczema was something I thought belonged in my past, until it came creeping back last year with a hot, itchy vengeance.
I've tried ditching make-up, giving up booze and whittling my skincare routine down to the very basics, all in the hope of making my skin feel normal again, with varying degrees of success.
6
I'm not exceptional, either, with one in 10 adult Brits suffering from atopic eczema.*
Here's all I've learned…
SEEING RED
My childhood was characterised by cracked hands and sore knees, but in my teens, my eczema disappeared.
However, late last year, I started to notice red, itchy patches reappearing.
In weeks, my skin transformed from oily and clear to dry and chapped, leaving me clueless as to why.
There are several types of eczema, but atopic eczema like mine is the most common.
It's in the same family as hay fever, food allergies and asthma. 'While most cases are caused by genetics, lifestyle choices can influence the degree of eczema,' says dermatologist and medical director of
EUDELO Dr Stefanie Williams.
Treatment can vary, so seek medical advice if you're unsure.
TRIGGER POINTS
At first, I was convinced my flare-up was down to me overloading my skin with cosmetics. But I realised something else was at play.
'Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by stress, allergens, changes in weather, harsh skincare products, sweating and infections,' says dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips.
I began to notice a pattern between drinking alcohol and waking up with inflamed skin, so I reduced my intake, and I've seen it worsen if I'm stressed, too.
'Stress is a well-known trigger for up to 70% of patients with eczema,' says dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed.
Keeping notes on my phone to record the weather, what I've eaten and which products I've used (including soap, washing detergent and perfume) has been useful in helping to pinpoint possible triggers.
SCRATCH CYCLE
The urge to scratch itchy eczema-prone skin is unbearable. I've tried rubbing, fanning, prodding — all of which are generally discouraged – and even resorted to full-blown scratching.
'If you scratch your skin, you can release histamine,' says Cadogan Clinic dermatologist Dr Aveen Connolly.
This can worsen the itch and result in broken skin and infections. 'It causes thickened, leathery skin and discolouration or scarring in the longterm,' adds Dr Phillips.
Cooling methods can help, but avoid applying ice directly to skin, as it can cause burns, while using a fan can feel drying.
'Instead, keep your moisturiser in the fridge, as it will cool the skin, but isn't as aggressive,' says Dr Connolly.
Scratch attacks used to wake me in the night, but taking an antihistamine, like fexofenadine, before bed has helped.
And if you can't resist the urge, tap!
'Tapping reduces the possibility of broken skin, minimising risk of infection,' says Dr Connolly.
SHELF IT
'Opt for fragrance-free formulas, as allergies to fragrances are common for eczema-prone skin,' says Dr Williams.
'However, avoid products containing limonene and/or linalool, as these commonly used fragrance replacements can be as allergenic,' she adds.
I use La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Cream Wash, £21, which feels gentle and non-irritating on the skin.
'As for skincare, it's important to repair the skin barrier by using moisturisers rich in emollients, such as ceramides,' says Dr Phillips.
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, £10.50, forms a nourishing, protective barrier over your skin, but its thick texture takes a bit of getting used to.
Cetraben Cream, £6.05
I also love Cetraben Cream, £6.05, which feels lightweight but deeply hydrating.
'Pick a facial cleanser with a hydrating emollient formula, instead of a foaming facial cleanser, which can be drying,' says Dr Williams. My favourite is calming Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £12.75.
Make-up no longer sits well or feels comfortable on my skin, so I've reduced how much I wear, and I've learned to love my low-maintenance routine.
Depending on the condition of your flare-up, there are some make-up product options for those experiencing eczema.
'Some hypo-allergenic make-up brands, such as Oxygenetix, are well-tolerated by atopic eczema sufferers,' says Dr Williams.
Unfortunately, none of the above will nip eczema in the bud entirely, and it's always worth seeking advice from your GP if your symptoms persist.
This might involve prescribing anti-inflammatory steroid creams, which can help regain control of symptoms.
'Just be wary of common mistakes, such as starting prescription creams too late after experiencing symptoms, stopping steroid creams abruptly rather than gradually, and using low-strength creams for prolonged periods,' says Dr Williams.
The bottom line? Your doctor knows best.
*Allergy UK
How To Save Money On Beauty Buys
IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes?
Here are five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but at a fraction of the price.
FACE BASE If you can't afford Charlotte Tilbury 's £52 Magic Cream, why not try a dupe that costs just £5.49 from Superdrug?
TONE IT UP If Drunk Elephant's £62 Protini Cream is out of your price range, you'll need to check out the new dupe in Home Bargains.
TINTING IT With Fenty's game-changer skin tint costing £29, a popular supermarket's affordable alternative might just be the thing for you.
GET COVERED At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50.
SPRAY YAY For those wanting to smell fresh without the price tag, Aldi's new Prada and Chloe perfume dupes cost a fraction of the price.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
You should wear sunglasses every time you step outside, says expert
A poll of 2,000 adults found just 36% wear shades when the skies are overcast, and only 24% wear them throughout the year. When most people think of sunglasses, they picture sunny summer days at the beach or by the pool. But according to a recent poll of 2,000 adults, surprisingly few people make sunglasses a regular part of their routine regardless of the weather. In fact, only a little over a third wear them on cloudy days, and less than a quarter keep their eyes protected year-round. Surprisingly, only 52% of people put on sunglasses when it's sunny, Eye care expert Ayad Shafiq cautions that this habit could be putting our vision at risk, as harmful UV rays can damage eyes even when the sun isn't shining brightly. When questioned on why they rarely wear sunglasses, 32% say it's simply not a habit, and 26% find sunglasses inconvenient because they wear prescription glasses. Ayad Shafiq, a cataract clinical lead from Newmedica, explains: 'Protecting your eyes from UV rays is essential to reduce the long-term risk of serious conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyelids. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can significantly lower this risk.' The study, commissioned by Specsavers, also found that nearly one in five mistakenly believe darker lenses offer better protection. Additionally, a quarter wrongly believe sunglasses block all types of light damage, and 22% think they never expire—both of which are incorrect, according to Ayad. When choosing new sunglasses, Brits typically spend less than 30 minutes researching the right pair. Nearly a quarter (24%) admit they don't wear them often enough to put much effort into the decision. Over half want a pair that suits their face shape, and 47% feel more confident when they like how they look in sunglasses. For 31%, it's essential that their sunglasses match their personal style. Many people are aware of the potential long-term damage UV rays can cause: 41% worry about retinal damage, 29% about photo keratitis, and 27% about cataracts. The research found that nearly three-quarters admit they don't know much about cataracts, even though 56% are worried about developing them. Additionally, over a third don't associate cataracts with UV exposure, believing it's purely age-related, and 32% say they've never seen public health messaging linking the two. Ayad adds: 'It's important to note that individuals with existing cataracts or macular degeneration often require enhanced lighting to see clearly, so their need for light must be balanced carefully with UV protection. Consulting an eye care professional can help tailor the right approach for each individual.'
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a vet, here's the surprising hidden cause of fur shedding – and how to tackle it
PET PEEVE I'm a vet, here's the surprising hidden cause of fur shedding – and how to tackle it HAVING a dog can be the best thing in the world. They are brilliant companions, get us out and about on walks and generally make a house a home. 3 Tackling dog hair can be a nightmare 3 Cat the Vet reveals reason behind shedding But they can also make a big mess - especially if they are a hairy breed. Now a vet has revealed the surprising reason behind why mutts can turn into moulting monsters - and it's nothing to do with the weather. Vileda, the experts behind the Pet Pro cleaning range, has teamed up with pet specialist and influencer Cat The Vet to shed some light on the hairy issue. Cat revealed the main trigger isn't what you expect. She says: "Did you know that light, not temperature is actually the major trigger for shedding? "The changing amount of daylight leads to hormonal changes that impact on the growth cycle of hairs, causing them to either thicken up, or gradually fall out". So, as the days get longer or shorter, your pet's body clock tells them it's time for a new 'do'. Our cosy homes can confuse things even more. Cat says: "Ambient temperatures do have an impact which is why some dogs shed far more in the winter because the shorter days are causing their fur to grow but our heated houses are encouraging it to shed." But despite their hairiness, new research from Vileda shows a whopping 64 per cent of women are more excited to see their pet than their partner after a long day at work. INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy Meanwhile, 70 per cent of pets have their own dedicated spot on the sofa. With our furry overlords so firmly in charge, keeping on top of the fluff is a national obsession. In fact, Brits spend an average of FOUR HOURS a week, or 208 hours a year, on pet-related housework. But there are ways to cut down on the creature clean-up. Clare Bolland from Vileda says: "We created the Vileda Pet Pro range to make tackling the inevitable household havoc easier.' When it comes to tackling the sofa and soft furnishings, Clare said: "We know that cuddles on the sofa with our pet can cause havoc when it comes to cleaning fabric couches, which can often cling on to fine strands of fur causing them to look tatty and unclean. "Having the Vileda Pet Pro Electostatic Brush on hand means a quick brush down of the sofa before bedtime will help you keep on top of this task in a matter of minutes – its clever rubber bristles attract and collect pet hair using electrostatic action – and after using it, you can simply rinse it under the tap and use it again and again.' Clare also recommends that when mess occurs, it's best to deal with it as quickly as possible: "It's always quicker to clean up a mess while it's fresh rather than letting it sit."
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New alert as cases of typhoid that kills 1 in 5 hit record high in UK – are you at risk of the Victorian disease?
Typhoid is a bacterial illness that, without swift treatment, can lead to fatal complications such as internal bleeding or ruptured organs BUG BEAR New alert as cases of typhoid that kills 1 in 5 hit record high in UK – are you at risk of the Victorian disease? TYPHOID fever, a disease that notoriously claimed the life of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, has hit record levels in Britain. With most new cases linked to travellers returning to the UK, health officials are urging Brits to get vaccinated when visiting countries where the disease is rife. 2 Experts have warned cases of typhoid are on the rise in the UK Credit: Oxford Martin School Some 702 imported cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, deadly bacterial infections that can kill one in five if untreated, were reported in 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This marks an eight per cent increase from 645 cases the previous year, and the highest ever recorded. Typhoid is a bacterial illness that, without swift treatment, can lead to fatal complications such as internal bleeding or ruptured organs. It is caused by salmonella bacteria, typically spread through food or water contaminated with infected urine or faeces. Read more on typhoid GLOBAL THREAT Millions at risk as untreatable typhoid strains threaten new health emergency Most British cases are linked to travel to South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, or Pakistan, which has poor sanitation and limited access to clean water Officials have also raised concerns over a troubling rise in antibiotic-resistant typhoid in Pakistan. The mutant strain known as XDR, resistant to standard treatments, has been spreading since 2016, heightening the risk of severe complications. Globally, around a fifth of typhoid cases are fatal, though deaths are less common in countries like the UK. Symptoms of typhoid infection typically appear one to two weeks after exposure. Early signs include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, and constipation. Cases of Victorian disease that causes 'sandpaper rash and killer complications' surge 42% in a week - is your area affected As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen, with nausea, diarrhoea, and occasionally a rash. At this stage, the risk of life-threatening complications increases significantly. With prompt treatment, such as antibiotics, the infection usually resolves within three to five days. While the NHS offers a free typhoid vaccine for travellers to high-risk countries, no vaccine exists for paratyphoid, which is caused by a related but distinct bacteria. "It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you're visiting friends and relatives abroad or it's somewhere you visit often," Dr Philip Veal from UKHSA said. He urged people to visit the Government's Travel Health Pro website for information on what vaccines or medications tourists may need before travelling to an overseas destination. Dr Philip added this was especially important for pregnant people or those hoping to have one in the near future as they could be at heightened risk. 2 Typhoid Mary, nearest, lies in bed at the hospital on North Brother Island around 100 years ago Credit: CORBIS "If you are pregnant or trying to conceive there are special precautions you should take, so please speak to a healthcare professional before planning your trip," she said. While most cases are now contacted abroad, typhoid was once a major public health issue in Britain, killing roughly 16,000 people every year in the 1800s. The disease struck people from all walks of life, from overcrowded slums to royal palaces. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, succumbed to typhoid fever at just 42 years old. 'Typhoid Mary' Typhoid has long crossed borders, with its most infamous carrier, Irish cook Mary Mallon, who emigrated to the United States in 1884 and settled in New York. She was detained after unknowingly infecting the American families she cooked for through the food she served them. It was believed she carried the disease silently, with no symptoms, infecting between 51 and 122 people with the disease - three of which died. Dubbed "Typhoid Mary," she spent 26 years in quarantine until her death. The nickname has since become a term for someone who spreads disease or other misfortune.
