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.
