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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)