Eczema

Last updated: 26 September 2011

In this article

• What is Eczema
• What are the symptoms of Eczema
• What are the treatments and remedies for Eczema?
• The mum view on Eczema?
• The expert view on Eczema?
• The client view on Eczema?

What is Eczema

There are different types of eczema – an itchy, flaky skin condition - but the commonest is 'atopic' eczema, which occurs in people with a family predisposition to eczema and other allergies such as asthma and hay fever. In fact, in some people, eczema and asthma go hand in hand. Eczema can strike with varying degrees of severity. For some people, it dominates their lives; for others it's a minor but irritating complaint.

Atopic eczema can affect people of all ages, but is most often seen in susceptible children either with the first year of life or by age of seven. Most children grow out of atopic eczema eventually, with the majority (around 65%) being symptom-free by the age of 16.

It's thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors cause eczema, which often flares up in response to certain common triggers. These include: some soaps and detergents; house-dust mites; pet dander; pollen; central heating; certain fabrics; and skin infections. Stress can cause trigger an attack or make existing eczema worse, too.

Other types of eczema include contact dermatitis, which is brought on by physical contact with certain allergens, and seborrhoeic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap in babies. There are more types, too, but these are rarer and usually occur in old age.

Eczema sometimes improves in pregnancy and sometimes gets worse. There's no way of predicting which way things will go, but the treatment is essentially the same as for non-pregnant women.

What are the symptoms of Eczema?

Itching is the main symptom of eczema, and it can be very severe, driving sufferers to distraction. The condition can come and go, but the skin tends to be dry and itchy even in between flare ups.

The commonest places to find it is in the creases of the elbows and the backs of the knees, but it can crop up anywhere on the body.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis doesn't itch or hurt, but is characterised by flaky, scabby patches, most commonly on the scalp.

What are the treatments and remedies of Eczema?

The degree of treatment required depends on the severity of the condition. Children who are very badly affected and unable to control the scratching, which can break the skin and lead to infection, may need to be wrapped in emollient soaked bandages, known as 'wet dressings' and this can be time-consuming and distressing for your child, but they can brig some relief.

Emollients are special intensive moisturisers which come in the form of creams, ointments, lotions and gels. They help prevent itching and cracking of the skin, and can be applied directly to the skin or added to your child's bath in a special preparation.

Used every day, emollients may be all you need to keep mild to moderate eczema under control.

Most eczema sufferers are advised to avoid soap products or perfumed toiletries, which can aggravate the condition.

Topical steroids, which are applied directly to the skin are sometimes used in more severe cases of eczema. They have to be used medical supervision and with care, as overuse of steroid creams can thin the skin and cause scarring. If you follow the instructions to the letter they can be a very helpful treatment.

Keep your child's nails short. If your baby has atopic eczema, try anti-scratch mittens to stop them scratching their skin.

Avoid the triggers if you know what causes a flare-up.