Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that makes the skin itchy. Anyone can get it, but it's most common in children. It's a long term condition, though it can get better over time.

Atopic eczema can show up anywhere on the body, but it's most common on the hands, elbows and knees. In children, it often appears on the face and scalp too.

Atopic eczema can make your skin:

• itchy
• dry, cracked, crusty, scaly or thickened
• red, white, purple or grey
• lighter or darker than the skin around it (depending on your skin tone)
• blister or bleed
• painful

How severe it is can differ from one person to the next. There may also be times when your symptoms get worse (this is called a flare-up) and times when they improve.

Call a doctor or the 16263 health line, or contact your doctor 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
• you have a high temperature or feel generally unwell

• you or your child have symptoms of atopic eczema
• treatments are not helping your atopic eczema

To diagnose atopic eczema, your doctor will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms. They may want to know when the symptoms began, whether they come and go, and if anyone in your family has had eczema.

If your atopic eczema is severe, your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

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 doctor.

Atopic eczema can't be cured, but treatment can help ease the symptoms.

The main treatments are:

• moisturising creams, lotions, ointments and gels that you apply to your skin
• steroid creams, lotions or gels that you apply to your skin (topical corticosteroids)

If your atopic eczema symptoms are more severe, special dressings or medicines may help.

There are a few things you can do yourself that may ease the symptoms of atopic eczema.

• apply moisturising treatments (emollients) to your skin as often as possible
• continue to moisturise even if your eczema improves
• wash with an emollient instead of soap
• keep your nails short and clean to reduce damage to your skin
• put anti-scratch mittens on babies to stop them scratching their skin
• wear soft, light clothing
• keep cool, because heat can make eczema symptoms worse

• Try not to scratch your skin, as it can make your symptoms worse. Gently rub the skin with your fingers instead.
• Avoid soaps and detergents that irritate your skin.
• Never share emollients with other people.
• Don't put your fingers into an emollient pot. Use a spoon or a pump dispenser instead.
• Stay away from aqueous cream, because it can irritate the skin and make eczema worse.
• Leave your diet as it is unless a doctor tells you to change it.

Doctors don't always know exactly what causes atopic eczema. You may be more likely to get it if:

• one or both of your parents have atopic eczema
• you or a close family member have an allergy like asthma or hayfever

Some things can also make atopic eczema worse, including:

• allergens, like soap, detergent, pets, pollen or some foods
• heat
• changes in temperature
• stress
• some types of clothing, like those made from wool or synthetic fibres
• hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menopause
• skin infections

Atopic eczema is not infectious, so it can't be passed on to others.

Atopic eczema can leave the skin cracked and broken, and this can sometimes lead to infections. If you think your skin or your child's skin may have become infected, see a doctor as soon as possible.

The itch of atopic eczema can disturb your sleep. That may leave you tired and struggling to concentrate during the day.

Living with atopic eczema can be hard. If it's affecting your mental health, your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist.