At least one-third of the population is affected by a skin condition and between 15% and 20% of GP consultations specifically relate to the skin. 

The Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) is a national charity with a mission to support people with skin conditions in Ireland. The ISF operates a free ‘Ask a Nurse’ Helpline, provides up-to-date specialist guidance, runs events and awareness campaigns and engages in advocacy.

Questions on how to manage and treat common skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, account for a large proportion of queries to the ISF ‘Ask a Nurse’ Helpline.

Eczema is a common, non-contagious, chronic inflammatory skin condition that most frequently begins in infancy, but can also develop for the first time in adulthood. While the exact cause of eczema is not known, certain factors are thought to be important in its development, such as an inherited predisposition to have a weakened skin barrier, as well as altered inflammatory and allergy responses.

Psoriasis is another common, non-contagious, inflammatory disease. In this condition, there is an increase in the rate at which skin cells are produced and shed from the skin. New skin cells reproduce too quickly and move toward the skin surface in an immature form, causing a build-up of white or silvery scale (dead skin cells). Similarly, as with eczema, the exact cause of psoriasis is not completely understood, but it tends to run in families, and both the immune system and genetics are important in its development.

For people living with either eczema or psoriasis, the main aim is to improve symptoms and achieve long-term control, both in terms of good disease management and for general wellbeing. Emollient (moisturiser) therapy is an important part of daily skin care but particularly for eczema, even when skin is clear. However, prescribed topical preparations, ultraviolet light therapy (also called phototherapy), and/or systemic medications (medicines that work inside your body), may be needed to manage the condition, so it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment.

Emollients are moisturisers, that are used in two ways: applied directly to the skin as leave-on moisturiser, and as a soap substitute instead of soap or shower gel. 

Emollients help to soothe dry, itchy skin; increase the effectiveness of prescribed treatments; soften the scale (in psoriasis); and repair the skin’s barrier (in eczema), thereby preventing entry of irritants and allergens.

Emollients come as lotions, creams, and ointments. Sometimes you may need to use more than one product, for example, you may choose to use an ointment at night and cream or lotion during the day. Finding the right emollient is often a matter of trial and error, but the best emollients are ones that you prefer to use and will continue to use every day.

• Establish a good daily skin care routine and try to stick to it.
• Don’t stop moisturising when the skin is clear, this particularly applies to people with eczema.
• Emollients tend to be bland and fragrance-free (unperfumed); ask your healthcare professional for advice.
• Never stick your fingers into a tub of emollient – always use a clean spoon or spatula (do not return used spoon/spatula to tub, NO ‘double dipping’). Pump dispensers are more hygienic.
• Emollients should be applied in a smooth, downward motion, in the direction of hair growth.
• Avoid soap, bubble bath and shower gel! Use soap-free products for bathing and specially formulated shampoos.
• After bathing or showering, gently pat the skin dry and apply emollient all over when the skin is still slightly damp.