Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on eczema and getting back to exercise

NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a subsitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.

My four-year-old suffers from severe eczema. It often keeps him awake at night. I have tried lots of over-the-counter creams but nothing is working. Could he have allergies?

Allergic or atopic eczema may occur in young children and many will grow out of it by the time they reach their teenage years. It may be associated with food allergies or asthma and may run in families.

The protective moisture barrier of the skin may be disturbed and often this can be the cause of significant discomfort with dry skin which can be very itchy. The skin becomes inflamed and irritated which may leave skin prone to infection. Frequent itching may cause damage to the skin or thickening of the skin and it may be prone to blistering.

Triggers for this type of eczema can vary. They may include soap and detergent products, contact with other irritating substances, and it may also be triggered as a result of certain foods in the diet.

Some people find that symptoms are brought on with dairy products — especially cow’s milk, eggs, or nuts, however this is not the case for all children. Allergies to dog or cat hair may also trigger eczema flares as can house dust mites which can occur in bedding or carpet. It is a good idea to discuss any suspected allergies with your doctor who can advise on the best course of action or may refer your son to a specialist for confirmation.

Treatment for eczema is with topical moisturising creams, many of which can be bought over the counter and recommended by your pharmacist. These should be applied liberally and frequently throughout the day. Often soap substitutes and moisturising bath additives can be helpful in managing eczema. For severe flare-ups, treatment with steroid creams may be necessary which will be prescribed by your GP. These may be especially useful if the skin is extremely red and irritated.

Steroid creams should be used sparingly and will help to relieve skin inflammation and irritation. If you are having difficulty managing your son’s eczema your GP can recommend stronger treatments and creams to help with the itch.

I’d like to get back to some exercise again — my toddler is now three and starting in playschool so I’ll have a little more time. Have you any suggestions?

Taking regular moderate exercise is a great way to improve overall health and feel better while building fitness levels. Twenty to 30 minutes of regular activity a day can be helpful in improving overall health and mood, help maintain a healthy weight, and a healthy heart. In starting any new exercise regime it is a good idea to begin slowly, gradually increasing overall tolerance and to try to find an exercise you enjoy so you are more likely to maintain it in the long term. Setting clear fitness goals can help improve your chances of succeeding in your new regime.

Allowing a set time every day for exercise can also help to make it a routine and help to form good habits. Before doing any activity like running or jogging it is a good idea to include a gentle warm-up for the muscles and to stretch after exercise to avoid any injuries.

Motivation is a big factor. It can be helpful to find a workout partner to take a walk or jog with you and make sure you stay on track with your goal to keep active.

Signing up for a group run or cycle can be a good way to work towards a target or goal and improve overall fitness and keep motivation levels high. Dance classes or group yoga can also be fun ways to keep fit and maintain interest.

Making the decision to be more active does not need to involve expensive gym memberships or exercise equipment. Small steps like taking the stairs rather than the lift or escalator on a daily basis, leaving the car at home and walking to the shops or nearby destinations can result in improvements in your overall fitness level.

Setbacks are entirely normal, perseverance should be the measure of success when trying to start exercising again.