Dry skin occurs as a result of abnormal water loss from the skin, due to a weakened skin barrier. Emollients work by forming a protective layer on the outer layer of the skin. This traps moisture within the skin, preventing TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) helping the skin barrier to repair itself.

The protective layer created by an emollient also helps to prevent the penetration of external irritants and allergens into the skin.

Eczema is not contagious, meaning it cannot be spread from one person to another. 

Certain types of eczema such as atopic dermatitis are linked to a genetic pre-disposition, and so can often run in families.

The causes of eczema are complex and depend on the type of eczema you are experiencing.

Atopic eczema is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

The genetic factors lead to a weakened skin barrier. The skin barrier is what protects the body from external irritants, when the skin barrier is weakened, we become vulnerable to external triggers penetrating the skin.

Flare ups can be triggered by environment factors such as heat, dust, itchy material in clothing, pet dander and irritants such as soaps, detergents and other chemicals.

Being unwell or having an infection can also trigger a flare up, as can periods of stress.

Other types of eczema, such as Contact Dermatitis are caused by exposure to strong irritants, such as detergents. This exposure strips the skin barrier of its natural oils.

Many people living with eczema report that stress and anxiety trigger a flare up or worsening of their existing condition.

When we experience psychological stress, our body goes into “fight or flight” mode. Hormones are released to enable us to react to a difficult situation, however these can also have an impact of your immune system, which can trigger an eczema flare.

In addition stress can also increase the urge to itch your skin, which can worsen symptoms of eczema, causing the itch-scratch cycle.

Recognising your stress triggers, becoming aware of your mental health, and developing and employing stress management techniques can be helpful.

Breaking the itch-scratch cycle takes a multi-disciplinary approach. 

Controlling your eczema with frequent moisturisation (ideally at least 3 times per day) with an emollient such as Emollin is the first stage. Your doctor may also recommend a medicine such as steroids. 

Identifying triggers and taking steps to remove or limit them from your life is the second. 

Other tips to relieve itching include:

Cooling: Placing refrigerated cool packs on to itchy areas can provide much needed relief. After removing the cool compress, apply your emollient. 

Keep fingernails short: Regularly trimming fingernails will helps to reduce the impact of scratching on the skin.

Distraction techniques: Keeping your hands busy during periods of itching, can help to distract from the itch. Try to distract children by encouraging them to play with a toy, colouring in, or playing a game.

Pinch, don’t scratch: Try to get into the habit of gently pinching or pressing on the skin to reduce the itchy feeling, as opposed to scratching. 

Cover itchy skin: Covering the skin with soft, skin-friendly clothing can help to provide a deterrent against scratching. Eczema mittens and sleeves are specifically designed to help to prevent scratching at night.

Roughly 1 in 5 children in the UK has eczema, with most experiencing eczema for the first time before the age of 5. Most children find that their eczema improves or clears up completely as they get older

Some children will continue to experience symptoms of eczema into their adult life.

Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin condition, which can occur at any age.

There are several different types of psoriasis, and the symptoms are not only confined to the skin, but also can affect the nails, joints and have a profound impact to mental health.

Psoriasis most often causes well defined, inflamed, flaky patches of skin, covered with silvery scales. These patches are called plaques and will be pink or red in colour on light skin tones, and often violet or grey in colour on dark skin tones.

To read more about Psoriasis click here

Psoriasis develops as a result of both internal and external factors.

Research suggests that in people with psoriasis, t-cells in the immune system attack healthy cells, causing skin cells to reproduce more often than usual. By way of comparison, skin cells are usually replaced every 3-4 weeks, but in psoriasis cells are formed and replaced in 3-4 days.

This build up of cells creates the patches of inflamed skin associated with psoriasis.

It is understood that flare ups of psoriasis can be triggered as a result of infection, injury to the skin, alcohol, hormonal changes and stress.

Many studies have found that people who smoke are more likely to have psoriasis. Not only that, studies also suggest that the more a person smokes, the increase in the severity of symptoms of psoriasis.

Speak to your doctor for help quitting smoking.

Psoriasis is not contagious, meaning it cannot be spread from one person to another.

Autoimmune disorders cause abnormally low activity or over-activity of the immune system.

Research has found that in people who experience psoriasis, t-cells become overactive, leading to rapid growth of skin cells. This build-up of cells creates the tell-tale patches of skin we know as psoriatic plaques.

Emollin is currently available to purchase on our website here, with free UK delivery on all orders. Alternatively, you can shop Emollin via amazon.co.uk

We currently ship Emollin to addresses within the UK.

Once an order is placed, you’ll receive notification that we’ve received your order by email.

Orders are usually dispatched by 2pm the next working day after they were placed.

UK orders are shipped by DPD, and you can expect your order to be delivered within 2-3 working days of shipping.

If your order hasn’t arrived within the expected time, email us at info@emollin.co.uk