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What is eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects both children and adults. It’s also known as atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and allergic eczema.

People with eczema have skin that doesn’t keep the moisture in very well, so it becomes dry and easily irritated. This causes chemicals to be released, which worsens the irritation and makes you want to scratch. But scratching only makes your skin more itchy and so the cycle repeats itself. This can be very frustrating.

Your guide to eczema - video

What are the symptoms of eczema?

If you have eczema, you’ll have areas of red, dry, itchy skin, most commonly found in the creases of your elbows, wrists, neck and behind the knees.

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What causes eczema?

Nobody knows exactly what causes eczema, but it can run in families. Many people with eczema also have other allergic conditions, including hay fever and asthma.

What triggers eczema?

There are many things, known as triggers, that can make eczema symptoms worse, including:

• dry skin
• scratching the affected area
• viral or bacterial infections
• chemicals from swimming pools
• sand, especially from sandpits
• some types of carpet or grass
• animals or house dust mites
• allergens that you can breathe in, such as pollen
• artificial colours and preservatives
• perfumes, soap and chemicals
• woollen or synthetic fabrics
• heat or very hot rooms
• stress

Not all of these things will trigger a person’s eczema. It varies from person to person.

Using a lot of soap, grease, food or chemicals can damage the skin’s protective barrier, making it more likely that eczema will develop.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Your doctor will be able to diagnose your eczema by talking to you and examining you. They might also request allergy tests or test your skin to help with the diagnosis and inform your treatment. Your doctor will help you discover what triggers your eczema.

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How is eczema treated?

While there is no cure, eczema is quite treatable. Here are some ways to manage your eczema:

• Protect your skin by applying moisturiser every day. Some people with severe eczema might need wet dressings, which cool, protect and rehydrate the skin.
• Treat flare-ups by using ointments or creams prescribed by your doctor.
• Control itching by using antihistamines, a cold compress for the affected area and trying not to scratch.
• Control and prevent infection by keeping your house clean and using antibiotics to treat infection if prescribed by your doctor.

Some dermatologists might also use ultraviolet light (PUVA) to reduce inflammation.

Many people find eczema improves as they get older.

There is no evidence that probiotics and evening primrose oil are effective in treating eczema.

Once you know what triggers your eczema, your doctor may be able to help you develop an eczema action plan. This is a personal guide and checklist for how to manage your eczema and prevent it from flaring up. Ways of managing eczema include:

• avoiding your triggers
• avoiding things that can damage or dry out the skin, like soap or bubble bath
• making sure baths and showers aren’t too hot
• rinsing off chlorine from swimming pools straight after swimming
• avoiding overheating or wearing woollen next to the skin