Treating & Preventing Eczema with Lanolin

Baby with eczema being treated with merino lanolin cream
Eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that inflames and irritates patches of skin, eczema is very prevalent in infants and young children but can also appear in teens and adults. 
 Eczema Symptoms 

The main symptoms of eczema are dry itchy skin, inflamed and irritated skin, there are a variety of different types of eczema. 

  • Nummular dermatitis causes dry patches of skin in the winter months usually affecting legs and more commonly found in men. 

  • Dyshidrotic dermatitis affects the hands and fingers and soles of feet, it causes itchy patches that can flake and crack and are more commonly found in women. 

  • Contact dermatitis is caused when your skin is in contact with an irritant and goes away when the irritant is removed. Symptoms include redness, burning and itching.

Eczema Treatments 

Eczema is caused when your own body's immune system is undermining the skin’s barrier function, which is why lanolin is such a good natural treatment. 

Lanolin is classed as an hydrophobic emollient, hydrophobic oils reduce the loss of water through the skin forming a barrier that prevents the evaporation of water. It creates a replacement barrier by filling in cracks in the skin's outermost layer creating a smooth skin surface enhancing flexibility and increasing light reflection.  

 

“Regular and consistent use of an emollient can significantly reduce the severity of established eczema” Dermnet NZ. For optimal use apply to damp skin after bathing, regular applications 2-3 times a day is recommended.

We recommend using the Merino Hypoallergenic Lanolin 500g Pot, It is also made without fragrance and colour which is ideal for sensitive skin.    

It is also important before applying to the affected area to do a small patch test.

Preventing Eczema 

Maintain skin hydration:

Keep your skin moist, especially in winter when the air can be particularly dry. if it becomes to dry it can crack and allow for bacteria or allergens inside. Apply cream after you get out of the shower to ease itching and moisten your skin. 

Avoid Irritants:

Everyday products may irritate your skin such as cleansers, soap, body wash and lotions. Avoiding products with added perfumes and dyes as these are common eczema triggers. 

Stress and Anxiety:

Mental health can have a large impact on various aspects of your body, which can cause an eczema flare up. Finding ways to relax and destress and getting enough sleep will improve results. 

It is also important to contact a doctor if your symptoms are serious enough to disrupt your sleep and daily life if home treatments aren't working for you. 

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