Campaign supports families whose children have eczema

A new campaign aiming to offer family support to those whose children have eczema has just been launched by Oilatum Junior.

The Soak and Smooth to Soothe campaign, will help educate parents about how to use emollients more effectively.

Research in 2008 by Oilatum Junior and the National Eczema Society, found that 39 per cent of mums struggle to control their child’s eczema effectively.

Whilst there is no permanent solution for the skin condition, effective management can help.

But, many parents feel they haven’t been given the guidance to do this.

Consultant Dermatologist from the Cadogan Clinic and Cromwell Hospital, London,  Doctor Susan Mayou believes that emollient  products integrated into a child’s daily routine can potentially reduce the symptoms and need for topical steriods.

She says: ‘‘It’s important for parents to understand how important the combined use of emollients is in managing eczema. Essentially, an emollient is a moisturiser that traps water in the skin. Emollient treatments come in different formats including creams, ointments and soap substitutes. Daily use of emollient treatments to soak the skin in the bath or shower followed by smoothing on an emollient cream, is an effective way to soothe the skin and keep it hydrated which really is essential in treating mild to moderate eczema.”

A step by step easy guide vodcast tutorial is available from  www.eczema.org.