Eczema is a skin condition which causes the skin to become itchy, dry, red and cracked, and in some cases can become sore and painful.
The condition is long-term, and while it can improve or clear up completely over time, some sufferers will experience flare-ups throughout their whole lives.
Keeping skin hydrated and moisturised is essential for preventing eczema from flaring up.
However, it’s important to use the right type of cream, as some basic moisturisers won’t be effective enough.
Childs Farm dermatologist Dr Jennifer Crawley advises using proper creams instead of lotions.
This is because creams are more hydrating and moisturising for the skin than body lotions.
The thicker the cream is, the better, while ointments are better still.
The is even more important in the autumn and winter months, when the weather is harsher.
“In summer, we require lighter products and less oils on our skin, but autumn is the time to start reintroducing thicker alternatives in order to combat the slightly harsher weather and prepare our skin for winter,” said Dr Crawley.
Dr Crawley also recommends products with natural ingredients, especially if the skin is sensitive.
The NHS, meanwhile, recommends using emollients for eczema prone skin.
Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it.
They reduce water loss by covering the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.
Emollients can come as a lotion, spray, cream, ointments, bath oil and soap.
According to the NHS, emollients help prevent parches of inflammation and flare-ups of eczema.
Topical corticosteroids can also be used for the treatment of eczema.
Topical corticosteroids are medications applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation.
They are available as creams, lotions, gels, mousses and ointments.
They can also come in four different strengths: mild, moderate, potent and very potent.
Mild corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can often be bought over the counter from pharmacies, while stronger types are only available on prescription.