Support Workers in need of some advice

[support worker]

Hi
My name is Rachael and im a support worker in Hertfordshire.
We are currently supporting a PWS (person we support) ,who sufers with eczema very badly at times, due to the pws being non verbal we dont always know if there is anything in particular that can cause
the eczema to flare up more than other things.
So my questions to you all are,
can certain fabric conditioners make eczema bad or worse?
are there any fabrics for clothes that can make a differnce good or bad?
what have people found are good and bad in the ways of creams and bath products?
and any other information you think may help us

Thanks
Rachael

[klynn]

I have just been diagnosed with eczema last week, but this site has been VERY helpful. I have found that 100% cotton and model is the only materials that doesn't make my skin flare (silk is supposed to help as well). Polyester and itch material (like wool) makes my skin flare up. I use sensitive body wash, laundry detergent, and lotions (dye and perfume free). I need to wash my hands quickly, then immediately lotion up (especially after getting out of the shower, add pat dry). My showers can not be more than slightly warm and I need to quickly take a shower (long exposer to water drys out my skin). I use lotion with oat ingredients sometimes as well. I can not become to hot or too cold, sweat, or be outdoors and the humidity being high (sometime even the air conditioning and heat indoors can take moister out of the air. I've been told to get a humidifier, but I'm not sure if this would help or not.) Everyone has certain triggers, mostly allergies or stress. I hope this helps, and I hope others help as well. Good luck.

[mum26]

Hi Rachael
My baby has eptomic eczema as she cant tell me about her skin, i suppose i have them same issues as you.
There is a fabric povvder (sorry my double u key is broken lol) for eczema skin they sell it in boots and costs about £3.40
I find that it really helps my daughters itching. Also dark coloured clothes can make the skin vvorse. Foods such as dairy and
eggs also make its alot vvorse.
Its very disturbing seeing some one itching so much i find that tickling the itchy spots or lightings stroking the area over the
clothing helps easy the itching. The doctour might suggest piriton i find it helps my baby alot.
hope you manage to get it sorted for them. it tends to get vvorse in the extream vveather, like cold and hot days.
hope iv been some help.
Rachael (yes im a Rachael too )

[dirtydancing]

sometimes fabric softeners can make it worse. i good washing powder that i use is surcare you can get it in most supermarkets.

Have you thought about taking pics when his skin is bad so you have someting to compare to. Also try and log or write in careplan how bad or good the skin is after each day, if you have tryed anything new or if anything flares it up.

sharon