Overview
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long-term skin condition in which the skin's protective barrier is weak, making it dry, itchy and inflamed in flares. It often starts in childhood and runs in families alongside asthma and allergies. Eczema is not contagious. The core of treatment is generous, regular moisturising plus short courses of prescribed creams during flares — scratching and harsh soaps make it worse.
Symptoms
- Intensely itchy patches of dry skin
- Redness, and in flares oozing or crusting
- Thickened, leathery skin from long-term scratching
- Common in skin folds — elbows, behind knees, neck and around the eyes
- Disturbed sleep from night-time itching
When to see a doctor
See a dermatologist if itching disturbs sleep, over-the-counter moisturisers aren't controlling it, or patches ooze, crust or look infected.
Causes
A genetically weak skin barrier plus immune over-reactivity; flares are triggered by dryness, harsh soaps and detergents, sweat, heat, dust, stress and certain fabrics.