Eczema

What is eczema?

Eczema (sometimes called dermatitis) is an inflammation of the skin. This means that your skin may be dry, flaky, hot and itchy. Some people develop blisters and if these burst the skin may become moist and crusty. Sometimes the skin can become thick, particularly if you have scratched it a lot. Eczema can be restricted to one part of your body, particularly your hands, front of your elbows or behind your knees. Sometimes it can affect your whole body. However, eczema is not contagious and you will not infect other people.

What causes eczema?

People of any age can develop eczema. It is one of the commonest reasons for dry, sensitive skin and affects 1 person in 10 at some time in their life. There are many types of eczema and the causes are often difficult to identify (see box opposite). However, everyone with eczema experiences similar symptoms. Although eczema usually clears up, it can return at any time.
Your doctor may refer you to hospital for a patch test to check whether your eczema is caused by an allergy to a specific substance. This involves applying a variety of suspected substances to small areas of skin to see if there is a reaction. If an allergy to a food is suspected, your doctor may recommend that you eliminate particular foods from your diet.

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How is eczema treated?

There is no cure for eczema but there are a number of treatments that will help your symptoms. These treatments include emollients, steroid creams, antihistamines and antibiotics.

Emollients (creams, ointments and bath oils) help to moisturise the skin to make it less itchy and stop it cracking. They can be added to your bath water and used instead of soap, as well as applied directly to the skin.
Steroid creams help to reduce the inflammation so that the skin can heal. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly on where and how often to rub them on your body.
Antihistamines can help to reduce itching. Antibiotics are needed if the eczema becomes infected.
If your eczema is caused by contact with a specific substance, avoiding this may help to reduce the symptoms.

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Different types of eczema

Atopic eczema

• This is the commonest form of eczema and tends to run in families; it may be associated with hayfever and asthma.
• It is commonly found in babies and young children, but can affect people of all ages.
• Sym ptoms include widespread dryness of the skin and itching. The skin may become inflamed and crack making it prone to infection.

Seborrhoeic eczema

• This is most likely to occur in babies and young adults and may look like severe dandruff.
• It affects the scalp, face, groin and sometimes the upper part of the chest and is not normally itchy.

Irritant contact eczema

• This is caused by contact with substances such as soaps, detergents, engine oil, hair dyes and bleaches.

Allergic contact eczema

• This is caused by contact with specific material such as nickel, chrome or rubber.

Hand eczema

• Can be localised patches or affect the whole hand.
• Initially it is moist and oozing; later it is dry and cracked.

Varicose eczema

• Affects the legs and is commonly found in the elderly with varicose veins.

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Help yourself

• Use emollients on the skin and in the bath to keep the affected area moist and supple.
• Wear cotton clothing next to the skin.
• Try not to scratch your skin.
• Use rubber gloves to protect your hands when using strong chemicals or powerful household detergents.
• If your eczema is caused by an allergy, try to avoid the substance or food that causes the reaction.
• Take all medicines exactly as recommended by your doctor and do not share them with anyone else.

Further information

This factsheet supported by Glaxo

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