Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long-term skin condition that makes the skin dry, itchy, red and sometimes cracked or weeping. It is very common in babies and children and often runs in families with asthma or hay fever. Eczema is not contagious. It comes and goes, and daily skin care can keep it well controlled.
Symptoms
- Dry, rough skin
- Strong itching, often worse at night
- Red or darker patches, in children often on the face, elbows and behind the knees
- Cracked, weeping or crusted skin during flares
- Thickened skin from long scratching
- Poor sleep because of itching
Causes
- A weak skin barrier that loses water easily, often inherited
- Family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever
- Triggers: harsh soap, detergent, wool, dust and sweat
- Very hot baths, dry cold winter air and heaters
- Skin infections and stress can cause flares
Prevention
- Apply a plain, unscented moisturiser (for example petroleum jelly) at least twice a day
- Use lukewarm water and mild soap or soap-free wash
- Wear soft cotton clothes and keep nails short
- Rinse detergent well from clothes
- Avoid known triggers and do not let the skin get very dry near the heater
Treatment
- Regular moisturiser every day, even when the skin looks clear
- Steroid cream or ointment for flares, used thinly and for the time the doctor advises
- Antihistamine at night may help sleep when itching is bad
- Antibiotic treatment if the skin becomes infected
- Do not use strong steroid creams on the face or on babies without a doctor
Common questions
Can eczema be cured?
There is no permanent cure, but many children grow out of it, and daily moisturiser with treatment of flares keeps most people comfortable.
Are steroid creams dangerous?
Used thinly, on the right area and for the advised time, steroid creams are safe and very helpful. Long, unsupervised use of strong creams, especially on the face, can thin the skin.