What is eczema?
Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes dry, itchy, inflamed and prone to irritation. It happens because the skin's natural barrier — which normally locks in moisture and keeps out irritants and germs — does not work as well as it should. This allows moisture to escape and irritants to get in, leading to the dryness, itching and inflammation that characterise eczema.
The most common form is atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, which often runs in families alongside asthma and hay fever. It frequently begins in childhood and many children improve as they grow, though it can persist or appear for the first time in adulthood. Eczema tends to come and go, with flare-ups when symptoms worsen and calmer periods in between.
Symptoms
Eczema looks and feels different from person to person, and can vary by skin tone — appearing red on lighter skin and more brown, purple or grey on darker skin. Common symptoms include:
- •Dry, sensitive skin
- •Itching, which can be intense, especially at night
- •Patches of inflamed, discoloured skin
- •Rough, leathery or scaly patches
- •Oozing or crusting in more severe flare-ups
- •Skin that becomes thickened from repeated scratching
Common triggers
Eczema flare-ups are often set off by triggers, which vary between individuals. Identifying and avoiding your own triggers is an important part of keeping eczema under control. Common triggers include:
- •Irritants such as soaps, detergents and bubble baths
- •Dry skin and cold or dry weather
- •Heat and sweating
- •Certain fabrics, like wool or synthetic materials
- •Allergens including dust mites, pet dander and pollen
- •Stress
- •For some, certain foods (more common in children)
Treatment and skincare
The cornerstone of managing eczema is regular, generous use of moisturisers, known as emollients. Applied frequently — even when the skin looks clear — they repair and protect the skin barrier, lock in moisture and reduce itching and flare-ups. Using an emollient as a soap substitute, rather than ordinary soap, helps avoid drying and irritating the skin.
During flare-ups, doctors often recommend topical corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation, used as directed. Other treatments are available for more troublesome eczema. Managing the itch is also important, as scratching damages the skin and worsens the cycle. Keeping nails short, using emollients, and treating flare-ups promptly all help. A doctor or pharmacist can advise on the right combination for your skin.
Living well with eczema
Beyond treatment, day-to-day habits make a big difference in keeping eczema settled. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers, keeping the skin well moisturised as a daily routine, and wearing soft, breathable fabrics like cotton all help reduce flare-ups. Lukewarm rather than hot baths or showers, and patting rather than rubbing the skin dry, are gentler on sensitive skin.
Eczema, especially when itchy and visible, can affect sleep, confidence and quality of life, and this side of the condition deserves attention too. Good control of the physical symptoms helps, and support is available for the emotional impact where needed. Most importantly, with consistent skincare and the right treatment, the large majority of people keep their eczema well managed and comfortable.
Eczema in babies and children
Eczema is very common in babies and young children, and is often one of the first signs of the 'atopic' tendency that can also include asthma and hay fever. In infants it frequently appears on the face, scalp and the outer surfaces of the arms and legs, while in older children it tends to settle in the creases of the elbows and knees, around the wrists, ankles and neck.
The good news for parents is that childhood eczema often improves as a child grows, and many children grow out of it. In the meantime, the same principles apply: frequent moisturising with emollients, avoiding triggers and irritants, and treating flare-ups promptly. Keeping a child's nails short and using soft cotton clothing helps reduce damage from scratching, which can be hard for young children to resist.
Because eczema is itchy and can disrupt sleep, it can be distressing for both children and parents. Establishing a consistent skincare routine, working with a doctor or health visitor, and treating flare-ups early all help keep it under control. With good management, most children with eczema are comfortable and able to do everything their peers do.
Eczema and the itch-scratch cycle
One of the most challenging aspects of eczema is the itch-scratch cycle. Itching leads to scratching, which damages the skin barrier further, causing more inflammation and more itching, and so the cycle continues. Breaking this cycle is an important part of managing eczema, as persistent scratching can also lead to thickened skin and a higher risk of infection.
Practical steps help interrupt the cycle. Keeping the skin well moisturised reduces the dryness that drives itching, and treating flare-ups promptly with prescribed treatments calms the inflammation. Keeping nails short and smooth limits the damage done by scratching, and for children, soft cotton clothing or sleep garments can protect the skin overnight.
Distraction, keeping cool, and gently rubbing or patting rather than scratching can all help in the moment. Where itching is severe and disrupting sleep or daily life, a doctor can advise on additional measures. Managing the itch effectively not only brings relief but also helps the skin heal and reduces flare-ups over time.