Anyone who has suffered from and got over eczema will know just what a hugely frustrating and slow process it can be. You take or apply whatever medication your doctor prescribes, only to find that after a week of it working quite well, the problem skin returns. Here is a five step plan that could work towards getting rid of eczema, for good...

1. Finding the emollient that works for you

Unfortunately the first step of this plan is the hardest, but of course that means it all gets easier from then on. If you haven't found an emollient cream that eases your eczema, perhaps without curing it completely then you need to keep trying them out. Instead of getting prescriptions ask your doctor or dermatologist if they can recommend any products and then go about trying to get free samples, by asking in the surgery, at the chemist, looking on the company or even writing to them in person to explain your situation. This way you're not spending $10 for a tub of cream that you'll only use one eighth of and then leave to gather dust.

2. Calming down your condition

To be able to deal with your eczema it's best to calm it down as much as possible with the use of steroids. I know that for a lot of people this is a last resort for when eczema is unbearable because steroids thin the skin, but a few days of use is all that's needed for this method and then if it work for you, you can throw the steroids out forever. As soon as you think your skin is at the calmest it will get with steroids, proceed with the next two steps simultaneously.

3. Eradicating/replacing all other products

If you haven't already, then stop using all other body moisturising creams, exfoliators, shower gels, creams, toners and any make up that isn't 100% natural (mineral powder foundation is very good). You may want to keep a very soothing gentle cleanser to remove make up and dirt from your face, but try to find one with all natural ingredients.

4. Using emollient constantly and consistently

Finding an emollient cream that works for you can be tricky. Many doctors will prescribe doublebase, which has a protective gel layer within it that stays to moisturise your skin once the cream has been absorbed. Aqueous cream, another emollient is intensely moisturising and can be used as a soap to remove make up and dirt.

Keep searching, until you find an emollient that does more good than harm. Once you've done that, apply it repeatedly. We don't just mean 3 times a day, we mean once an hour or twice and hour if you can. Basically, you can't ever put too much emollient cream on.

5. Getting rid of your steroid cream

Now for the very last and best part of the 5 step eczema treatment plan. Now that you're into a routine of repeatedly applying emollient you should have no need for steroid creams. Your skin will be getting everything it needs from the cream and hopefully from your diet (one rich in omega 3 fats from oily fish, nuts and flaxseed is best) and so it shouldn't be flaring up. You may want to keep your steroid cream tucked away just in case something really aggravates your skin in the future, and if it does then simply repeat this process again.

Stan Tian

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