Quick answer
What is eczema?
Eczema (atopic eczema) is a common condition that makes skin dry, itchy, red and inflamed. It often starts in childhood and can flare up from time to time. There is no cure, but it can usually be controlled with moisturisers, avoiding triggers and, during flare-ups, treatments such as steroid creams.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, cracked and inflamed. The most common type is atopic eczema, which often begins in childhood, although it can develop at any age. It tends to be a long-term condition that comes and goes, with periods of flare-ups and periods when the skin is clearer.
Symptoms
Eczema usually appears as itchy, dry patches of skin. During a flare-up these areas may become red, sore, cracked or weepy. In people with darker skin tones, affected areas may look darker brown, purple or grey rather than red. It commonly affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp, though it can appear anywhere.
What triggers it
Eczema is linked to the skin’s natural barrier not working as well as it should, which makes it more sensitive. Flare-ups can be set off by triggers such as soaps and detergents, certain materials, changes in temperature, stress, and sometimes allergens. These vary from person to person.
Treatment
The cornerstone of eczema care is keeping the skin moisturised. Emollients (medical moisturisers) should be used regularly and generously, even when the skin looks well, to protect the barrier and reduce itching. During flare-ups, a GP or pharmacist may recommend a topical steroid cream or ointment to calm the inflammation.
Alongside treatment, avoiding known triggers, keeping nails short to reduce damage from scratching, and using gentle, fragrance-free products all help.
When to seek help
Most eczema can be managed at home with advice from a pharmacist. See a GP if it is not improving, is severe, or shows signs of infection, as this may need additional treatment.
Common questions
- What causes eczema?
- The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is linked to a combination of genetics and the skin barrier not working as well as it should, which lets moisture out and irritants in. It often runs in families alongside asthma and hay fever.
- What makes eczema flare up?
- Common triggers include soaps and detergents, certain fabrics, heat or cold, stress, and sometimes allergens such as pet fur or house dust mites. Identifying and avoiding your triggers helps reduce flare-ups.
- How should I use moisturisers for eczema?
- Emollients should be applied generously and often, even when the skin looks clear, to keep it hydrated and protected. Use them in the direction the hair grows, and continue using them during and between flare-ups.
- Are steroid creams safe?
- Topical steroids are an effective and widely used treatment for eczema flare-ups when used as directed. A GP or pharmacist will advise on the right strength and how long to use it. Follow their guidance rather than using them more than recommended.