Download FACTSHEET - National Eczema Society

FACTSHEET
Eczema in Later Life
Eczema affects 5 million
children and adults in
the UK every year.
The Society is the only
organisation in the UK
devoted to improving the
quality of life for people
with eczema and their
careers.
The Society provides
practical support and
information on the day-to
-day management and
treatment of eczema
including:
Confidential telephone
and e-mail Helplines
Fact sheets and
Skin tends to become drier as we get older, which can lead to roughness and scaling, and cause itching. If it
is allowed to become too dry it may become cracked, so the first line of defence is to keep the skin moistened.
Emollients (moisturisers): Emollients can be bought over the counter or
Topical steroids should be used according to
the instructions of your doctor. Stronger steroid
creams used continually over too long a time can
cause skin damage.

If there is no improvement within 1 week, contact your doctor for advice.

If the condition worsens, you may have a skin
infection, so contact your doctor for treatment.

Antihistamines may be prescribed to ease the
itching.
 There are a wide range, which vary in their levels
of oiliness. The dryer the skin, the more oily an
emollient is needed.
 The most oily is an ointment.
 You may wish to avoid creams with perfume or
lanolin as a few people do react to these.
 There is no need to feel that nothing can be done
if the first one you try does not suit your skin.
 Many emollients used for children are still suita-
ble for older skin.
 Ring the National Eczema Society for the infor-
Varicose (gravitational) eczema

This is a type of eczema common in later life,
particularly in women. If you have poor circulation, have had a blood clot in your legs or have
varicose veins you are at risk of developing varicose eczema.

The skin becomes very thin and fragile on the
lower legs and can easily break down leading to
an ulcer.

When it is severe it can have weeping, crusted
areas which can often look like a varicose ulcer.

If only the surface layers of the skin are affected, emollients and mild-to-moderate steroid
creams can be a useful treatment.

rather than before. (As an extra precaution it is
wise to always empty out the bath water before
getting out of the bath!).
Medicated bandages can also be very helpful
although some people may develop an allergy to
these.

Your doctor may refer you to the Community
Occupational Therapy Service if you require special bath/shower equipment for safety or if you
have difficulty getting in or out of it.
Be careful not to knock your legs, as this can
lead to ulcers. Use a bandage or pad under support stockings for extra protection.

If you have varicose eczema, or are at risk of
developing it, it is better to sit or walk than stand
still. It is even better to sit with your feet up.
mation sheet on emollients which has suggestions on what to try.
pack and quarterly
magazine
The Society also funds
vital research into the
cause and treatment of
eczema and campaigns
to
influence
health
services for a better
understanding
of
eczema and its effects.

supplied on prescription.
information booklets
Members’ information
Some other treatments for eczema
Bathtime
 Plain water may dry the skin. Try to avoid soaps
and use a substitute such as aqueous cream.

If it is difficult for you to get into the bath emollients can be applied with a damp flannel. Support bars fixed to the wall provide extra safety.

Emollient bath oils in warm water can be
soothing but they make the bath very slippery so
you need to be extra careful!
 Put the emollient into the bath after you get in

 They can fit a bath seat, grab-rails, a seat in the
The National Eczema
Society receives no
Government or Health
Service funding.
The Society relies
entirely on donations,
legacies and
membership
subscriptions to fund this
vital work.
shower or an alarm if you get into difficulties.
Contact your nearest Disabled Living Centre who
can provide information on equipment.
Asteatotic Eczema (eczema craquele)

If you cannot get into a bath then you can still
use emollients in the shower or in a bowl of water if you wish.

This is another condition usually affecting the
lower legs. The skin is very dry and often looks
like crazy paving.

Apply lots of cream or ointment into the skin
after bathing.

Avoid sitting right next to a radiator or fire as
this can damage the skin.

Avoid soap and vigorous towelling. Use lots of
(Continued on page 2)
11 Murray Street, LONDON, NW1 9RE. Helpline: 0800 089 1122 e-mail: [email protected] www.eczema.org
FACTSHEET
(Continued from page 1)
emollients to keep the skin moisturised.

Try to keep the air in the home moist. A bowl
of water in each room should help.
Avoiding allergies and irritants

Avoid handling detergents, sand or chalk, or
gardening chemicals as they can damage the
skin. Wear cotton lined rubber gloves when
washing up.

Avoid extreme changes of temperature. Cotton clothing will help to keep the skin cool, and
will be less irritating than wool or synthetics.

Take care when trying new creams. Apply a
small amount in one area and leave for one to
two days to check whether there is a reaction.
Healthy eating
Further Information
Eczema Helpline
0800 089 1122
(Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm)
e-mail [email protected]

Older people often have a smaller appetite so
tend to eat less. It is important to maintain a balanced diet which will help to support tissue healing, particularly when the skin is broken.

Fats, protein and zinc found in dairy foods all
help healing and vitamin C in fruit and vegetables
helps combat infection.

It is important to drink plenty, as dehydration
can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients essential for healing.

A balanced intake of vitamins will help to boost
the immune system.
Further Information:
The National Eczema Society has a wide range of
written information. In addition to the above you may
also find our leaflets on Topical Steroids, Discoid
Eczema, Seborrhoeic Eczema (Adults) and Emollients helpful.
To join the NES
020 7281 3553
(Mon-Fri 9am to 5.30pm)
[email protected]
www.eczema.org
Page 2
Disclaimer
These details are provided only as a general guide. Individual circumstances differ and the National Eczema Society
does not prescribe, give medical advice or endorse products or treatments. We hope you will find the information useful,
but it does not replace and should not replace the essential guidance given by your general practitioner, dermatologist and
dermatology nurse.
©National Eczema Society 2008
The National Eczema Society is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (number 1009671) and a company
limited by guarantee (registered in England, number 2685083)