A Year and a half later

I can't believe it's been a year and a half since our trip to Avene. Our lives have changed so much for the better since we have returned.

Before:

Now:

My Happy Little Girl

Facebook Eczema Support Group

Platform to Share:

I have created this group to help others suffering from eczema so that they have a platform to share their stories, and hopefully find a solution - or some comfort - through the knowledge shared in this group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BodyandmindEczemaSupport/

How to use the Avène products

Some important tips:

1. Don’t use anything other than your hands to clean yourself. Facecloths and sponges contain bacteria and they remove the new protective layer of skin which helps to lock in the moisture.

2. Same goes for scratching, so instead of scratching, lightly slap the area or get those smooth garden stones and keep them in the fridge. Gently rub the area, very lightly, when itchy. Also do something that takes your mind off the itching can be helpful.
3. When you feel itchy use the Avène water spray. A light spray. The water is anti-inflammatory and it cools the skin down which in summer is usually whats needed to reduce itchiness. In winter in calms the dry itchiness.

Daily maintenance of skin (body and face):

1. Shower in luke-warm water for as short a time as possible Normal 1 once a day.
2. Clean yourself with Trixeria Gel
3. Gently pat yourself dry with a clean towel. No rubbing.
4. Spray a fine mist of Avène Thermale Water spray over your body.
5. Dot the Trixera Emollient Balm onto your body or area you want to moisturise
6. Gently massage into your skin using circular movements.

Apply water and moisturiser twice daily or a third time if very dry. 

When skin is inflamed:

1. Spray Avène water onto white unscented tissues until they’re drench and lay them on the affected area. This cools the skin down and the water penetrates the skin reducing redness and inflammation.
2. Leave on for at least 30 mins, you can do this 2-3 times a day. You can also leave it on for a long period of time, keep spraying with water when it starts getting dry. If it’s for a child you can even bandage it in place.
3. Once done, remove tissues and apply the Trixera balm / moisturiser as above.
4. Also spray after playing sport or when very sweaty.

When skin is ridiculously dry:

1. Smeer Cream on so that its really thick and white.2. Cover in glad wrap so that it’s locked in3. Then wrap in a bandage or towel4. Keep it like that for 1 hour5. Then remove glad wrap and towel and don’t get the skin wet for at least 2 hours. 6. Good to do at night before bed time and after shower.

When there is weeping eczema, or open wounds from scratching:

1. Use cicalfate just before applying the Trixiera Moisturising Balm.
2. Apply cicalfate only to the affected areas.

Written by Zillah Ketcher.