We have compiled some handy Summer hints to help reduce the itch of dry sensitive skin by making small changes around your home. Heating, dusmites, pollen and bedclothes can all affect the skin so try out these hints and let us know what you think!

•Dustmites can aggravate eczema so, to combat this, replace carpets and synthetic floor coverings which breed and home dustmites with tile or wooden floors. This type of floor covering allows dustmites to be more easily removed through regular cleaning and dusting.

•Vacuam carpets where present in the home regularly as this will minimise the presence of dustmites in the home.

•Clean floors and surfaces completely of dust regularly

•Keep house temperatures cool to warm rather than warm to hot, as this is most comfortable temperature for dry sensitive skin or eczema.

•Keep pets out of the house and minimise contact with animals as animal hairs or feathers may aggravate symptoms

•Avoid freshly cut grass

Central heating and heavy duvets can aggravate skin problems. While dry and itchy skin is uncomfortable for everyone, for customers with sensitive skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis, the result can be much more difficult to control.

The bad news is, that low humidity caused by central heating, air conditioning and reduced fresh air is even more prevalent during the winter months leaving skin dry, irritated and itchy. This dryness and irritation is even more noticeable after showering or bathing as the skin’s natural moisture level has been reduced through washing and abrasion.

Dr Baillie-Hamilton also feels that “Central heating can also dry out the skin worsening the eczema and woollen, heavy clothes can irritate it as can the increased use of bubblebaths and toiletries which contain SLS and parabens as they are known to aggravate the skin.”

So try to reduce your heating by 2-3C which you’ll barely notice in warmth but you will notice on your skin. Where possible, advise open windows for a few minutes every day to allow fresh air into your home or office.

Rehydrate skin throughout the day with elave intensive cream.

Just a quick reminder that next week is National Eczema Week from the 15th-23rd. There are lots of events organised around Ireland and the UK to fundraise and educate on eczema issues.

The National Eczema Society have launched the Great Pyjama Party to celebrate and raise vital funds for the NES. The fund helps eczema research, provides healthcare training; and offers invaluable support for patients and their families.

Patient educational evenings are also organised for September, so check out www.eczema.org to find events in your area or to organise your own Pyjama Party and raise funds for the NES.

Our elave Junior Combined Therapy offer includes elave Junior body wash 250ml, elave Junior shampoo 250ml and elave Junior intensive cream 75ml for only £11/€16, Saving £3/€4!!

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Many people do not realize that the scalp can become drier in winter, sometimes accompanied by flakiness. It is common for dry and flaky scalp to be confused with dandruff. But in many cases, dry and itchy scalp can be caused by irritants commonly found in most shampoos.

Most shampoos contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a foaming agent used to cleanse the scalp and hair. With overwashing, scalp can become sensitised leaving it prone to skin flare-ups where the scalp becomes, flaky, itchy and dry.

Perfumes, colourings, harsh preservatives like Parabens can also result in flare-ups so try avoiding all of these irritants for a couple of weeks so that you can rule out dandruff.

Use elave shampoo which is designed to soothe sensitive scalps and is free from irritants like parabens, sodium laureth sulfate (SLS/SLES), perfumes and colourings. These ingredients can irritate and sensitise delicate scalp areas leaving it itchy and dry and can even leave hair duller and prone to frizziness.

If the problem, persists, consult your GP.

Almost two-thirds of adults with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema say they notice a dramatic worsening of their symptoms during the autumn and winter.

Summer is a time to let skin breathe and rejuvenate itself. But unfortunately this year’s summer ruled that out completely.

Dr Paula Baillie-Hamilton, one of the world’s leading experts in the field of environmental medicine and author of Stop The 21st Centuary Killing You. She says, “Inflamed, itchy and irritating dry skin and eczema can be uncomfortable at any time of the year, but much worse as the weather turns colder. Reduced sunlight can cut down vitamin D production which is important for suppressing most forms of eczema.”

Many regular skincare products can leave skin tight, itchy and dry, so stock up now with elave skincare to leave you skin soft, smooth and protected.