Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition that makes your skin itchy and sore. The medical name is "atopic eczema" but most people just call it eczema. It affects people of all ages, but it's most common in babies and young children.

What does eczema look like?

Eczema can appear anywhere on your body, but it's most common on:

• Inside of elbows and backs of knees
• Hands and wrists
• Face (especially in babies)

The affected skin might be:

• Very itchy
• Dry, cracked, or crusty
• Red, white, purple, or grey (depending on your skin colour)
• Thicker than normal skin
• Sometimes it might blister or bleed

Eczema comes and goes. You'll have times when it's worse (called flare-ups) and times when it's better.

What causes eczema?

We don't always know exactly what causes eczema. You're more likely to get it if:

• Your parents had eczema
• You or your family have asthma or hay fever

Several things can make eczema worse:

• Soaps and washing powders
• Certain fabrics or pets
• House dust or pollen
• Hot weather or temperature changes
• Skin infections
• Stress
• Changes in hormones (like during pregnancy)

Important: You cannot catch eczema from someone else - it's not contagious.

How to manage eczema at home

Things you should do:

• Moisturise regularly - Use moisturising creams (called emollients) at least twice a day, even when your skin looks better
• Wash carefully - Use an emollient instead of soap
• Keep cool - Heat makes itching worse
• Cut nails short - This prevents scratching damage. Put mittens on babies
• Avoid triggers - Stay away from things that make your eczema worse

Things you shouldn't do:

• Don't scratch - Try gently rubbing instead if it's itchy
• Don't share moisturisers - Use your own products
• Don't put fingers in moisturiser pots - Use a spoon or pump instead
• Don't use aqueous cream - This can make eczema worse
• Don't change your diet - Unless your GP tells you to
• Be careful with emollients and flames - They're safe on skin but can make clothes catch fire more easily

When to get help

See your GP if:

• You or your child have signs of eczema
• Treatments aren't helping

Get urgent help from your GP or NHS 111 if your eczema:

• Has blisters, crusts, or spots with pus
• Is painful, swollen, or feels warm
• Suddenly gets much worse
• You have a high temperature or feel unwell

These could be signs of infection and you might need antibiotics.

Treatment options

There's no cure for eczema, but treatments can help control it. Most children find their eczema gets better as they grow up.

Main treatments include:

• Moisturising creams and washes
• Steroid creams (for flare-ups)
• Special dressings or medicines for severe cases

A pharmacist can help with mild eczema, but speak to your GP for more severe symptoms or if you're worried.

Remember, living with eczema can be challenging. If it's affecting your mental health, your GP can refer you for extra support.

---

Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.