Eczema Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, October 2008.
Answers to questions about eczema
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Are bandages or wraps helpful for treating eczema?
- Can the sun make my eczema better?
- Can I go swimming if I have eczema?
Are bandages or wraps helpful for treating eczema?
Yes they can be, especially if you or your child have more severe eczema.
Explanation
Applying bandages to your skin over a layer of emollient (moisturising cream, lotion or ointment) can be helpful as the bandages will prevent you from scratching. This is easiest to do if the eczema is on your arms or legs, but you could try using modified bandages for other areas of your body. You can leave the bandages in place for several days, or you may prefer to change them daily.
If your eczema is particularly severe then your GP may suggest that you try paste bandages. These are made of gauze, covered in a soft paste and usually contain zinc oxide, which can help to relieve your itching. You will need to be shown how to apply them correctly by your GP or a nurse.
Cooling bandages, called wet wraps, can sometimes be helpful for treating young children with severe eczema. Wet wraps help to protect your child's skin and stop them from itching. You apply a thick layer of emollient onto your child's skin and then two layers of bandages over the top. The first layer of bandages is wet (you will need to soak them in warm water first) and the second layer is dry. The water on the first layer of bandages evaporates and this cools the skin and therefore helps to soothe your child's eczema. The wet bandages also help the skin to absorb the emollient. It's very important that you don't let the wet layer of bandages dry out as this can dry your child's skin out and make his/her eczema worse.
Wet wraps shouldn't be used at home unless your GP or a nurse has checked that it's an appropriate treatment for your child and he or she has shown you how to apply the bandages correctly. If the eczema is very severe, then a topical steroid cream could be applied under the bandages instead of an emollient. Your GP will need to supervise this.
Further information
- National Eczema Society
0800 089 1122
www.eczema.org
Sources
- De Berker D. Understanding Eczema: Family Doctor Publications in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 83, 87, 91-93, 124
- Eczema and Itching. The British Skin Foundation. www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk, accessed 24 July 2008
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 610-611
- Eczema. The British Skin Foundation. www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk, accessed 9 July 2008
- Eczema - atopic. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 9 July 2008
- Chu T, Munn S, Acland K, et al., Eczema. Current Issues in Dermatology: Maxim Medical, 1998: 13
Can the sun make my eczema better?
Yes, many people find that their eczema improves when they have been out in the sun.
Explanation
The ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is given off by the sun can stop your immune cells from causing inflammation of your skin. This helps to calm your eczema down.
However, too much UV radiation can damage your skin. This is known as sunburn, and it increases your risk of skin cancer. Because of this, you need to be careful not to stay in the sun for too long and you should always use suncream. Children also shouldn't be exposed to too much sunshine as they might get sunburnt. Gradual exposure to sunshine during the summer or when on holiday is the best way to help their eczema. Always make sure that they wear suncream if there is a chance that they could burn.
Sunshine can improve many different forms of eczema, but for a small number of people it may not be helpful. This could be because they have skin which is very easily sunburnt or because they have a rare type of eczema which is made worse by sunshine.
You can be given special medical light treatment for your eczema where controlled doses of UV radiation are applied to your skin over several weeks. The dose of UV radiation that you're given is increased gradually so that your skin doesn't burn. This treatment is given in a specialist hospital department, usually by a dermatologist (a doctor specialising in skin conditions). Your GP will be able to advise you on whether this would be a suitable treatment for you.
Further information
- National Eczema Society
0800 089 1122
www.eczema.org
Sources
- De Berker D. Understanding Eczema: Family Doctor Publications in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 83, 87, 91-93, 124
- Eczema. The British Skin Foundation. www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk, accessed 9 July 2008
Can I go swimming if I have eczema?
Yes, although there is a possibility that the chlorine in the pool will irritate your skin.
Explanation
The effect that swimming has depends on how severe your eczema is, how much chlorine there is in the swimming pool and how long you spend in the pool. If the swimming pool has a lot of chlorine in, it's more likely to irritate your skin.
It's best to only swim for a short amount of time to start with, until you have seen how your skin will react. It may be better for you to only swim in the summer when your eczema is likely to be better because of the sunshine.
To reduce the harmful effects that the chlorine could have on your skin, you should apply a thick layer of emollient before you swim. You should also have a shower straight afterwards to wash the chlorine away and then apply more emollient after you have dried yourself. You may need to use extra emollient or topical steroid cream that night if you find that swimming has made your eczema worse.
Further information
- National Eczema Society
0800 089 1122
www.eczema.org
Sources
- De Berker D. Understanding Eczema: Family Doctor Publications in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 83, 87, 91-93, 124
- Eczema. The British Skin Foundation. www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk, accessed 9 July 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: October 2008
Eczema factsheet
Visit the eczema health factsheet for more information.
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