It's estimated that 44% of us suffer from eczema, so here's everything you need to know about the skin condition

"Increased hand washing can also lead to greater cracking of the skin allowing environmental and microbial allergens to penetrate the skin barrier more easily causing inflammation," Alice explains.

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What can we do to prevent eczema from hand-washing?

"I'd advise people to wash their hands in cold water, pat dry with a hand towel and apply a moisturiser after each hand washing to offset much of the drying effects of hand-washing," advises Alice. Just avoid rubbing hands too hard. "Too much pressure or frequency of rubbing material over the skin will be traumatic to skin integrity and further exacerbate dryness. This can cause cracks which will be more exposed to any bacteria or virus."

"Try patting your hands dry with paper towels until the surface is still a little damp. Then apply a generous dose of moisturiser to the hands including the front, palm and fingers. Moisturising maintains healthy skin preventing eczema outbreaks which also provides greater skin strength to resist the rounds of washing. A healthy circle of protection. Just remember to look at the hand cream as some can be very thick and better for overnight use than in the day," she says. "If you have space you can carry a pocket tube of moisturiser alongside your hand sanitiser to apply anywhere," she adds.

"This should hopefully prevent eczema breakouts. A secondary line of action would be using prescription topical therapy to reduce the inflammation and to use their own tried and tested brands of soaps or moisturisers." In general, your best bet is to opt for something fragrance-free as scented hand salves can exacerbate the problem.

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Could anything else be causing eczema at this time of year?

"Yes," says Alice. "In spring, the temperature fluctuations can exacerbate eczema. As can pollen from flowering trees and plants. Those unlucky enough to suffer from hay fever often see their eczema flare up alongside the symptoms of irritation to the pollen," she explains. "Conversely the wider population would normally see a decrease in cases as the warming air and gentler winds ameliorate the drying effects on skin, producing less harsh outbreaks."

But, as it gets better for one person, it might get worse for the next. "Unfortunately there will always be environmental triggers for sections of the population so even in summer when there is warm air, there will be increased sweating, air conditioning and perhaps even chlorine from swimming pools or salty water from the sea. In all circumstances my go to advice is: after carefully washing the skin clean from the irritant, virus or dirt, remember to moisturise and use gentle cleansers and soaps without fragrance."

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Is there a cure for eczema?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for eczema. "Treatment for the condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent flare-ups of symptoms. Doctors will suggest a plan of treatment based on an individual's age, symptoms, and current state of health," says Alice.

Eczema usually starts in babies or young children and often, symptoms improve when a child becomes a grown-up. "For some people, eczema goes away over time. For others, it remains a lifelong condition," she adds.

Are there certain triggers that can make eczema worse?

There are certain things that can aggravate eczema, causing flares.

"Everyone’s triggers are different – they can include dry skin, irritants, rough fabrics such as wool, emotional stress, heat, and sweating", says Alice. "When you’re experiencing a flare, you’re more likely to scratch, which can aggravate already irritated skin and make the conditions worse."

Nurse Alice's top tips for treating eczema

1. Wear soft, breathable fabrics: Such as cotton, and avoid rough textures like wool.
2. Use mild detergents: Avoid bleach and fabric softener on all clothes, towels and bedding.
3. Pay attention to your diet: Some foods may trigger the release of T cells that cause inflammation, as well as immunoglobulin-E or IgE, which is an antibody that the body produces in response to a threat. Foods that contribute to inflammation include nuts, milk, and wheat.
4. Oatmeal baths: An excellent home remedy, especially when you combine with dead sea salts and castor oil.
5. Use a humidifier: Environmental conditions can exacerbate eczema. Cool temperatures, especially at night while sleeping, help to decrease sweating, which can cause irritation and itching. A humidifier helps prevent drying and should be used in both winter and summer when there is less moisture in the air.
6. Try a medicine: If you have moderate to severe eczema, you may need to try a medicine that affects your immune system like methotrexate and azathioprine. Or if nothing else works, you might get a drug called dupilumab (Dupixent). You might also try light therapy (your doctor will call it phototherapy) using ultraviolet light. We've also rounded up the best eczema creams to try.

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