Eczema runs in my family, my father suffered on and off all his life, I had severe eczema as a child and have recurrent problems every now and then ,and my son has had some series attacks brought on by stress. Recently I developed an itchy patch on my shoulder – this used to be common in winter, and it was finally linked to the chocolates I go for Christmas – the only time I ate it. It could have been chocolate – I’m not so careful about not eating it nowadays, or it could have been another trigger. But I’ve been using the same soother that has always worked for me – Slippery Elm as well as taking Evening Primrose.

Eczema can be soothed by keeping the skin moist – keep a moisturising cream handy with you at home and at work. Severe eczema needs your doctor’s help, but I have found you can probably track down your trigger more easily than your doctor, if you watch your diet and lifestyle triggers. There’s lots on the internet. However, if you need something to soothe, try this.

Slippery Elm Paste – It doesn’t cure, but it helps put out the itchy fire. Mix Slippery Elm powder with water to form a thin paste. Spread the paste over the inflamed area and leave it until dry – usually an hour or less. Rinse gently with water and then dry with a clean towel. Repeat three times a day. Slippery Elm contains a mucilage which will moisturise and soothe.

If you haven’t got Slippery Elm then paint on some calamine and then wash off as with the Slippery Elm – you don’t want to dry the skin.

Evening Primrose oil can help to reduce inflammation – take two capsules three times a day.