Atopic eczema
Atopic eczema
Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that makes the skin itchy. It can affect anyone, but it's most common in children. It's a long-term condition, though it can get better over time.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 111 or contact your GP practice urgently if:
You or your child have atopic eczema and:
- it’s blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has spots filled with pus
- it’s painful, swollen or feels warm
- it suddenly gets worse or gets bigger
- have a high temperature or feel generally unwell
Contact your GP practice if:
- you or your child have symptoms of atopic eczema
- treatments are not helping your atopic eczema
Causes
What causes atopic eczema?
It's not always clear why atopic eczema happens.
You may be more likely to get it if:
- one or both of your parents have atopic eczema
- you or someone close in your family has an allergy like asthma or hayfever
Some things can make atopic eczema worse, including:
- allergens, such as soap, detergent, pets, pollen or certain foods
- heat
- changes in temperature
- stress
- certain types of clothing, like wool or synthetic fabrics
- hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menopause
- skin infections
Atopic eczema is not infectious, so it cannot spread to other people.
Diagnosis
Your GP will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms to help diagnose atopic eczema. For example, they may ask when the symptoms started, whether they come and go, and whether eczema runs in your family.
If your atopic eczema is severe, your GP may refer you to a skin specialist (a dermatologist).
Getting advice from a pharmacist
A pharmacist can advise you on atopic eczema if your symptoms are mild, for example small patches of dry or slightly itchy skin. If your symptoms are more severe, speak to your GP.
Treatment
There's no permanent cure for atopic eczema, but the right treatment can ease symptoms a great deal and keep the skin comfortable.
The main treatments are:
- moisturising creams, lotions, ointments and gels that you apply to the skin
- steroid creams, lotions or gels that you apply to the skin (topical corticosteroids)
For more severe symptoms, a doctor may suggest special dressings or additional medicines.
Things you can do to help your eczema
Alongside any treatment your doctor gives you, a few daily habits can make a real difference to how your skin feels.
Helpful habits
- apply moisturising treatments (emollients) to your skin as often as you can
- keep moisturising even after your eczema improves, don't stop just because the skin looks better
- wash with an emollient instead of soap
- keep your nails short and clean so scratching does less damage to the skin
- put anti-scratch mittens on babies so they can't scratch their skin
- wear soft, light clothing
- stay cool, since heat tends to make eczema symptoms worse
Things to avoid
- try not to scratch the skin, as it can make symptoms worse; if the itch is hard to resist, gently rub the skin with your fingers instead
- avoid soaps and detergents that irritate your skin
- don't share your emollient with other people
- don't dip your fingers straight into an emollient pot; use a spoon or a pump dispenser instead
- avoid aqueous cream, since it can irritate the skin and make eczema worse
- don't change your diet unless a doctor has told you to
Complications
Atopic eczema can make the skin crack and break open, and this sometimes leads to infection. If you think your or your child's skin has become infected, see a doctor as soon as possible.
The itching that comes with atopic eczema can disturb sleep, which in turn can leave you feeling tired and finding it hard to concentrate during the day.
Living with atopic eczema isn't always easy, and it can take a toll on your mental health. If this happens, you may be referred to a mental health specialist for support.