Eczema is the name given to a group of inflammatory skin conditions which can affect people of all ages.
Fast facts:
- The number of eczema sufferers has been rising steadily for some years, and now stands at 1.5 million in the UK.
- Eczema isn't catching.
- The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis. Atopic is the word used to describe allergic conditions such as asthma and hayfever.
- Around 90% of eczema cases occur before the age of five.
- Half of children affected by eczema will be almost clear of it by the age of six. Three-quarters will be free of it by the time they are teenagers.
- Occasional flare-ups are always possible in adulthood.
What are the symptoms?
- Itching.
- Redness and rash – and often heat.
- Dry and thickened or flaky or scaly skin.
Scratching the skin increases the likelihood of the following, more severe symptoms:
- Signs of infection, such as weeping and bleeding.
- Blisters.
- Pain.
How is it diagnosed?
GPs can diagnose eczema by examining the skin or testing the skin for infection. You may be offered allergy tests.
How can you prevent eczema?
Moisturise the skin
This is the main treatment, even when you have no flare-ups, and should be a part of everybody’s routine at least once a day with emollient (moisturising) creams or ointments
Avoid triggers
You will learn from experience what triggers eczema in you or your child. Here are some tips:
- Avoid scented soaps that remove the skin’s moisture.
- Avoid artificial scents and perfumes.
- Wear gloves when using detergents.
- Avoid animals.
- Use a damp cloth to keep dust down in the home.
- Choose bamboo based clothing .
- Wash bedding in non-biological detergents at 60C.
- Keep dust mite levels in the bedroom low by airing and vacuuming mattresses regularly, using ‘mite proof’ covers, removing mats and carpets, keeping rooms aired and humidity down. Use Bamboo bedding to keep the mites away.
- Reduce your stress levels. Try yoga.
The role of food in eczema has not been established, especially not in adults. In a few children, milk, wheat, soya and other foods may worsen eczema, but speak to a dietitian before making changes to your child’s diet
Live healthily
Eat a healthy and natural diet, with lots of fish, fruit and vegetables, take regular exercise, and drink lots of water
How can eczema flare-ups be treated?
If you’re suffering from eczema, there are ways to lessen the pain and the effects .
Emollients prevent flare-ups, but steroid creams and ointments reduce inflammation when it happens. Speak to your GP first.
Antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics may be needed in combination with steroid creams in order to fight the infection which often triggers a flare-up.
Other treatments
- Antihistamines can help reduce itching at night.
- New treatments which may be helpful in severe eczema are known as topical immunomodulator ointments.
- UV phototherapy is a form of light treatment for severe eczema.
- Immunosuppressant medicines dampen down the immune system.
- Wet wraps and steroid bandages.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying an alternative therapy, and never stop your emollient routine or eczema medication unless advised by your GP.
Reviewed by: Dr Mariam Ali
Dr. Mariam is a fully qualified NHS General Practitioner with over a decade of experience in primary care. She specialises in preventative medicine, women’s health, and chronic condition management. Dr. Mariam is passionate about patient education and champions sleep health, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-based treatments to help people make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Last updated: 11/04/2025
Next review due: 31/01/2026