Eczema

Answer goes hereEczema is diagnosed clinically — meaning a dermatologist can usually make the diagnosis by examining the skin and taking a history, without needing blood tests or a biopsy. Key features your dermatologist will look for include the pattern and distribution of the rash (commonly the creases of the elbows and knees, the face, and the neck), the characteristic dry, itchy, inflamed appearance, and a personal or family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever, which often occur together.

In some cases, additional testing may be used to support the diagnosis or rule out other conditions — for example, patch testing if a contact allergy is suspected as a trigger, or occasionally blood tests if a related allergic condition is being investigated. These aren't routinely needed to diagnose eczema itself.

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There's currently no cure for eczema, but it's very manageable, and many people achieve long periods of clear or well-controlled skin with the right treatment plan. Eczema tends to follow a relapsing-remitting course, with flares interspersed with periods of calm, rather than being constantly active.

Many children with eczema find it improves significantly or resolves as they get older, particularly by their teenage years, though some people continue to have eczema, or see it return, into adulthood.

Eczema flares are usually triggered by a combination of factors that irritate the skin or disrupt its barrier function, including:

• Irritants — soaps, detergents, and some skincare products, particularly those containing fragrance
• Allergens — dust mites, pet dander, and pollen for some people
• Weather and temperature — cold, dry air and sudden temperature changes, as well as overheating
• Sweat — from exercise, heat, or heavy bedding
• Certain fabrics — wool and other rough or synthetic materials
• Dry skin — low humidity and infrequent moisturising make flares more likely
• Stress
• Skin infections — which can worsen eczema and sometimes require additional treatment

Triggers vary from person to person, and identifying your own is often a useful part of long-term management alongside your treatment plan.

Treatment is generally tailored to severity and typically involves a combination of approaches:

• Moisturisers (emollients) — regular, generous use of a fragrance-free moisturiser is the foundation of eczema management for everyone, helping repair and maintain the skin barrier
• Topical corticosteroids — anti-inflammatory creams or ointments used during flares to settle redness and itch, with strength matched to the severity and site of the rash
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors — non-steroid anti-inflammatory creams that are useful for sensitive areas such as the face and eyelids, or for longer-term use
• Phototherapy — supervised ultraviolet light treatment, used for more widespread or treatment-resistant eczema
• Systemic treatments — for moderate to severe eczema that isn't controlled with topical treatment, options include oral immunosuppressants, and newer targeted therapies such as biologic injections and oral JAK inhibitors, which have significantly expanded treatment options in recent years

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Your dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan based on how severe your eczema is, where it affects you, and how it responds over time.

Yes — eczema is extremely common in children and often begins in infancy, frequently appearing on the face and scalp before shifting to the creases of the elbows and knees as children get older. It's one of the most common skin conditions in childhood.

Eczema often occurs alongside asthma and hay fever, a pattern known as the atopic triad, and a family history of any of these conditions increases the likelihood of a child developing eczema. While it can be distressing for both children and parents, particularly when sleep is affected by itching, effective treatments are available at every age, including for infants.

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We recommend seeing a dermatologist if:

• Your eczema isn't improving with regular moisturising and over-the-counter treatments
• Flares are frequent, widespread, or significantly affecting your sleep, work, or quality of life
• You or your child's eczema is affecting the face, eyelids, or other sensitive areas
• You notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, oozing, or crusting
• You're using topical steroids regularly and want guidance on stepping treatment up or down safely
• You're unsure whether what you're seeing is eczema or another skin condition — accurate diagnosis is the essential first step to effective treatment