Soap
Avoid using soap. Instead use an
emollient wash.
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BEDROOM
BATHROOM
What can AGGRAVATE ECZEMA in your home?
2 Baby wipes
Use moistened cotton wool or kitchen towel
with emollient lotion/cream.
Towels
Use soft cotton towels. To avoid infection
of the eczema, make sure each person
uses a different towel. Dab dry–rubbing
can irritate skin.
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Bubble bath and shampoo
Avoid using bubble bath and use an
emollient bath oil instead. Be sure to
use a non-slip bath mat to avoid
accidents.
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Duvet and pillows
Use duvets and pillows filled with man made fibre. Layer low tog duvets
or cotton blanket–this will keep you cool and prevents itching.
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Soap
Use an emollient wash as a soap
substitute when washing your
hands before preparing food.
12 Soft toys
Keep the number of soft toys to a minimum. Regularly place soft
toys in a plastic bag in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites.
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6 Cleaning fluids
Avoid direct contact with skin.
Use PVC gloves.
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For treatment of dry skin.
Dryness and humidity
Try to keep humidity levels to around 50%. Dry air can dry the skin.
Humid air can cause mould and house dust mite growth. Both can
trigger eczema. Monitor humidity at home with a hygrometer. If it is
too humid use a dehumidifier to collect excess moisture in the air.
If the air is too dry, try placing a bowl of clean water near the radiator.
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Washing powder/conditioner
residues in bedclothes and clothing
Use a non-bio-powder for your laundry.
Do not use fabric conditioner. Make
sure to use the double rinse cycle and
wash at above 60°C to kill house
dust mites.
9 High room temperature
Keep room cool – at around 18˚C.
10 Synthetic bedclothes and synthetic clothing
Use cotton bed sheets, duvet covers and pillow cases whenever
possible. Wash all bedclothes weekly to reduce dust mite levels. The
same is true for synthetic clothing–wear clothes made from natural fibres,
especially cotton.
LIVING ROOM
KITCHEN/UTILITY
Use a shampoo that is suitable
for skin with eczema. For babies and
children up to 18 months, wash
hair in bath water containing an
emollient oil. Do not wash
hair more than twice a week.
Carpets
Vacuum carpets daily, particularly around the skirting boards where
dust mites are at higher levels. When re-decorating, use laminated
floor coverings or floor tiles, which allow damp mopping.
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Pets
Keep pets out of the bedroom, particularly at night. Don’t allow pets
onto the bed. If you do not already have a pet, do not get one or choose
a non-furry or outdoor pet. Limit contact with pets and wash hands after
touching or petting them. Keep pets and their bedding in the kitchen or
utility area.
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Curtains
Vacuum and, if possible, wash curtains regularly. An even better alternative
would be to replace all curtains with roller blinds as they hold less dust.
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15 Soft furnishings
Vacuum regularly, particularly at the seams where there are high
levels of house dust mites. Consider leather or leather-like coverings,
as these trap less dust and are easy to clean.
Dust
Use a damp duster, and if appropriate, a damp mop to remove dust
regularly.
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