Denise Van Outen, the beloved television presenter and actress, has candidly shared her personal battle with a common skin condition that affects millions across the United Kingdom. Behind her successful decades-long career in show business, which includes presenting The Big Breakfast, starring in EastEnders, and competing on Strictly Come Dancing, lies a struggle with painful eczema flare-ups that have impacted her confidence and daily life.
Denise Van Outen's Lifelong Struggle with Eczema
In 2022, Denise Van Outen opened up about her experience with eczema, a condition she has dealt with for as long as she can remember. She described how the flare-ups, which occur predominantly in cold weather, manifest as dry patches on her arms, sometimes cracking if not properly managed. This revelation came through a heartfelt Instagram post where she expressed the emotional toll of the condition.
"I have had eczema for as long as I can remember," Denise wrote. "I used to think it was because of the food I was eating but I realised that my eczema appears mostly when it’s cold. It flares up quite badly on my arms, I'll get dry patches and my skin will occasionally crack if I don't get it under control."
The Impact on Performance and Self-Esteem
The TV star admitted that her eczema has made her feel self-conscious, particularly during public performances. She recalled instances while performing in her cabaret show where she had to modify her costume to include long sleeves to conceal the flare-ups. This highlights the often-overlooked psychological effects of skin conditions, which can extend beyond physical discomfort to affect personal and professional aspects of life.
Understanding Eczema: Prevalence and Symptoms in the UK
According to the National Eczema Society, eczema is a widespread issue in the UK, affecting approximately one in five children and one in ten adults. Among the seven main types of eczema, atopic dermatitis is one of the most common, and it can appear on various parts of the body, causing significant discomfort.
The NHS outlines that atopic eczema can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
- Itchy skin
- Dry, cracked, crusty, scaly, or thickened skin
- Discoloration, which may appear red, white, purple, or grey, or lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on skin tone
- Blisters or bleeding
Symptoms can begin at any age, but they typically start in babies and young children, often improving with age. However, flare-ups can occur periodically, making management crucial for those affected.
Management and Remedies for Eczema
Denise Van Outen previously recommended Doublebase UK's Dry Skin Emollient as part of an advertisement deal, praising its ability to absorb quickly and trap moisture to restore the skin's natural barrier. While such products can be beneficial, the NHS advises a comprehensive approach to managing eczema symptoms, including:
- Avoiding triggers such as soap, washing detergent, certain fabrics, or pets
- Applying moisturising treatments (emollients) at least twice daily, even when symptoms improve
- Washing with emollients instead of soap
- Keeping cool to reduce itchiness, as heat can exacerbate symptoms
- Preventing skin damage by keeping nails short and using anti-scratch mittens for babies
For more detailed information and support, individuals are encouraged to consult the NHS website or seek advice from healthcare professionals. Denise's openness about her condition sheds light on the challenges faced by many and underscores the importance of awareness and proper skin care management.
