Eczema describes an itchy, inflamed skin rash. The term eczema comes from a Greek word meaning 'to boil over'. This condition may also be called dermatitis.

Eczema Overview

Eczema is a chronic, itchy inflammation of the skin, usually starting in early childhood. Eczema causes the skin to become dry, red and thicker in some places. There are many different types of eczema, the most common being ‘atopic dermatitis.’ Eczema is occasionally described as "the itch that rashes".

Eczema is a common condition affecting 10-20% of school children and around 5% of adults in the UK.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema may vary in appearance from individual to individual. Typical features include itchy, red skin that may be dry thickened and cracked. Periodic flare ups, followed by a period of no symptoms, up to several years at a time, are common.

Eczema Causes

Though the tendency to develop eczema generally has a genetic component, certain foods (such as dairy products, eggs and yeast) and skin irritants (pet hair, detergents, wool) can act as triggers, particularly in children.

Eczema is divided into a number of types according to the main cause, even though the symptoms may be similar (see below). Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema and is linked with hay-fever and asthma.

Eczema Treatment

There are a number of treatments for both children and adults that can relieve the symptoms of eczema. The right treatment may depend on the cause, and it is often necessary to try several treatments before finding one that is successful.

Although there isn't a cure for eczema, there are a number of things you can do to manage it. The goal of eczema treatment is to heal the skin, keep it in good condition and manage the symptoms when they appear.

Although eczema can look unpleasant, it’s important to remember that it is not contagious.

Types of eczema

There are five main types of Eczema:

Atopic Eczema

• Atopic eczema: this is the most common type of eczema. Atopic eczema sufferers may also develop asthma or hay fever or have relatives who have these conditions.

• Discoid eczema: this appears as small round circles or patches on the skin and is most common around middle age.

• Allergic contact eczema: the skin becomes sensitised to something over a period of time and an allergic reaction occurs on re-exposure.

Seborrhoeic eczema

• Irritant contact eczema: occurs when the skin comes in contact with something that strips away its natural oils and makes the skin red, dry, cracked and itchy.

• Seborrhoeic eczema: is also very common and usually shows up in areas rich in sebaceous (grease) glands, like the forehead, scalp and side of the nose.

Many children outgrow eczema around the age of seven, although they may remain susceptible to it when the body is put under stress. They can also pass the tendency onto their children.

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