Atopic Eczema

Key Points

Overview

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a very common skin condition that makes your skin itchy, dry, and inflamed. It affects people of all ages, but it's most frequently seen in babies and young children, often improving as they grow older. While there's no cure, various treatments can effectively manage its symptoms. The exact cause isn't always known, but it often has a genetic link, running in families with a history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever. Flare-ups can be triggered or worsened by irritants like soaps, certain fabrics, allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites), temperature changes, stress, or infections. Management focuses on avoiding triggers and regularly applying moisturizers (emollients) to keep the skin hydrated. Steroid creams can help reduce inflammation during flare-ups. Other treatments may include special dressings or medications, often guided by a doctor or skin specialist.

Signs and Symptoms

• Dry, cracked, or crusty skin
• Scaly or thickened skin patches
• Red, white, purple, or grey skin discoloration
• Lighter or darker skin patches
• Blistering or bleeding
• Intense itching

Things That Increase the Risk

• Family history of atopic eczema
• Family history of asthma or hay fever
• Contact with irritants like soap or detergents
• Exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
• Heat or sudden temperature changes
• Skin infections
• Stress
• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination of affected skin areas
• Review of symptoms and medical history
• Assessment of family history for eczema or allergies

Treatment & Management

• Regular application of moisturizers (emollients)
• Use of topical steroid creams or gels
• Avoiding identified triggers and irritants
• Keeping affected skin cool
• Keeping nails short to prevent scratching damage
• Washing with emollients instead of soap

Prevention

• Regularly moisturize skin, at least twice daily
• Identify and avoid personal triggers like specific fabrics or detergents
• Use emollient washes instead of harsh soaps
• Keep skin cool to reduce itching and flare-ups
• Manage stress levels effectively
• Seek early medical advice for worsening symptoms or infections

Related Diseases

• Contact Dermatitis
• Discoid Eczema
• Pompholyx (Dyshidrotic Eczema)
• Varicose Eczema
• Asthma
• Hay Fever

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Atopic Eczema: