Atopic eczema
Overview
Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that causes itchy skin. It affects people of all ages but is most common in young children. It cannot be cured, but treatment can help manage the symptoms.
Symptoms
Itchy, dry, cracked, sore skin. Redness (on lighter skin) or darker/lighter patches (on darker skin). Common on elbows, knees, hands, face (babies). Flare-ups can cause blisters, bleeding, crusting.
Causes
It's not always known what causes atopic eczema. You're more likely to have it if: one or both of your parents have atopic eczemayou or a close family member has asthma or hay fever Atopic eczema can be made worse by things like: coming into contact with an allergen or irritant such as soap, washing detergent, pets, some fabrics, pollen, house-dust mites or certain foodsheat or changes in temperatureskin infections, such as astaph infectionstresshormonal changes, such as during pregnancy Atopic eczema is not contagious so you cannot catch or spread it.
Treatment
There's currently no cure for atopic eczema, although the symptoms tend to get better as you get older. There are treatments that can help manage it and improve your symptoms. The main treatments are: moisturising creams, lotions, ointments and gels you apply to your skin and wash with (emollients)steroid creams, lotions or gels you apply to your skin (topical corticosteroids) If your eczema is more severe, there are other treatments such as special dressings or medicines. A GP can prescribe some treatments, or you may be referred to a skin specialist (dermatologist). Living with atopic eczema can be difficult. If it affects your mental health, you may be referred to a mental health specialist.
Prevention
Moisturize frequently; avoid triggers (harsh soaps, overheating); wear cotton clothing; manage stress; keep nails short to prevent scratching damage.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: symptoms affect sleep/daily life; treatments not working; skin infected (fluid/pus/pain/fever). Urgent if: painful blisters, rapid spread, feeling unwell (eczema herpeticum).