People with atopic eczema often have very dry skin that is unable to retain much moisture. When it dries out, skin is typically more sensitive to triggers such as certain materials, hormonal changes, allergens, and irritants like soaps or detergents. This can then make your skin itchy or sore. They help prevent patches of inflammation and flare-ups of these conditions. Types of emollients Lotions When it first develops, discoid eczema often appears as a group of small spots or bumps on the skin. Over time, these join to form larger patches of pink or red swollen and itchy skin. On darker skin, these patches can look dark brown and typically appear paler than the surrounding skin. Varicose eczema If your skin stings after using an emollient wash product and does not settle after rinsing, ask a pharmacist to recommend a different product. Using emollients with other skin treatments

Frequent hand washing is important but it can lead to the skin on the hands becoming sore, chapped, and dry. Certain professions can also cause hands and feet to get dry. Your skin can become dry due to the requirement to wash hands frequently, as well as exposure to chemicals and biological materials if you work in certain industries such as:Many people think that regularly cleansing skin is good for it. But washing skin too frequently can actually remove the protective layer of sebum. Excessive rubbing while washing, exfoliating scrubs, or the use of harsh soaps can all also lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Products containing oats can help nourish the skin’s moisture barrier and soothe and calm the skin. AVEENO® CALM + RESTORE™ Oat Gel Face Moisturiser and Triple Oat Serum both contain oat extract to soothe and intensely hydrate skin on the face. Products for dry skin on the body

Eat a diet rich in healthy fats like fish, walnuts, olive oil and avocados and drink lots of water. Mix a small amount (around teaspoonful) of leave-on emollient or soap substitute in the palm of your hand with a little warm water and spread it over damp or dry skin.Your GP may recommend using medicated bandages, clothing, or wet wraps to wear over the patches of skin affected by eczema. These are usually used alongside some form of topical cream, like emollients or corticosteroids, to help soothe the itching and inflammation. By covering the skin, the bandages help to prevent scratching, giving your skin time to heal. They also prevent the skin from drying out by keeping it moisturised. Corticosteroid tablets There’s no single cause of eczema. Instead, most people find there are multiple causes of eczema that lead to flare-ups. However, there are certain things that are more likely to trigger specific types of eczema. Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) Lotions are good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (such as weeping eczema – where pus is seeping out of damaged areas of skin). This is because lotions are thin and spread easily, but they're not very moisturising. Sprays Be gentle – gently pat your skin dry after washing and apply the emollient while the skin is still damp. This helps retain moisture.

If your eczema is caused by an irritant, such as the chemicals in soaps, detergents, bubble baths, and shower gels, avoiding those triggers can help reduce the risk of flare ups. Even if your current soaps or toiletries aren’t obviously the cause of your eczema, you might benefit from switching to a fragrance-free, and more moisturising emollient-based soap. Don’t scratch This Soothing Oat Bath Soak formula is rich in antioxidants found in oats, which is known to reduce discomfort & itchiness. Some people seem to develop varicose eczema with no apparent cause, but there are certain things that can increase your risk of developing the condition. These include: Use the correct utensils – avoid putting your hands into pots of emollient cream. Instead, use a utensil to take out the right amount and replace the lid of the tub after use. Alternatively, use a pump dispenser. You can buy emollients from a pharmacy without a prescription. If the skin condition is severe, talk to a GP, nurse or health visitor, as you may need a stronger treatment.Smoking is harmful in many ways, but when it comes to your skin, it can affect the blood flow to the epidermis, leading to coarse, dry skin.

Dry skin can occur at any age, and while it doesn’t usually present a serious problem, it can be uncomfortable. This guide will explain the causes, types, and skincare options for those who are experiencing dry skin, including which dry skin products to use. Dyshidrotic eczema – also known as pompholyx, dyshidrotic eczema is usually a long-term condition that appears as small itchy blisters on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The symptoms typically come and go over a two-to-three-week period. Wearing tight clothing made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex, can contribute to dry skin. This is because synthetic materials don’t breathe as well as natural fibres and can cause you to sweat more, causing irritation, which can lead to dry, itchy skin. The weather, your age, genetics, and skincare routine can all cause dry skin. But these factors are all linked to one key thing: sebum. Your skin naturally produces and secretes an oily substance called sebum, which forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent it from drying out. If the skin doesn’t have enough sebum, it loses water, and this can lead to skin dryness. Common causes of dry skin Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects around two in 100 people in the UK. It can develop at any age, but most often develops between the ages of 20 to 30 and 50 to 60. The severity of the condition can vary from person to person, and it often involves periods where symptoms are more severe, and periods where they’re milder.If you're using a steroid cream or another treatment for your skin condition, wait 20 to 30 minutes between using an emollient and using the other treatment. Ask a doctor which one to use first. Smooth, don’t rub – do not rub products in. Instead, gently smooth them onto your skin in the same direction your hair grows. Emollients are best applied after washing your hands, taking a bath or showering because this is when the skin most needs moisture. Everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry out the skin and can make skin conditions like eczema worse.