Eczema patient overview

Overview

Eczema is a condition that makes your skin dry, itchy, and inflamed. It is not contagious. It often starts in childhood but can happen at any age.

Yes, eczema is very common. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially children.

Eczema can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in young children. Many children outgrow it, but some continue to have eczema as adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Intense itching
• Red or brownish patches, especially on hands, feet, elbows, knees, face, and scalp
• Small raised bumps that may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
• Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin

Symptoms in children

• Usually appears on the face, scalp, and the outer parts of elbows and knees
• Patches may ooze or become crusty
• Itching can be very severe and disturb sleep

Symptoms in older adults

• Often affects the hands, eyelids, and back of the neck
• Skin may become very dry and thick (lichenified)
• Long-standing eczema can lead to permanent changes in skin texture

Causes

Main causes

• A defect in the skin's barrier, making it lose moisture and let in irritants
• An overactive immune system that responds to triggers with inflammation
• Genetic factors — eczema often runs in families

Risk factors

• Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever
• Living in a dry or cold climate
• Frequent contact with skin irritants (soaps, detergents, wool, dust mites)
• Stress and anxiety

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have signs of a skin infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus)
• You develop a fever along with eczema symptoms
• The itching is so severe it interferes with daily life or sleep

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your eczema does not improve with over-the-counter moisturizers and gentle care
• You want a proper diagnosis and treatment plan
• You need guidance on avoiding triggers and managing flares

Diagnosis

A doctor usually diagnoses eczema by examining your skin and asking about your symptoms and family history.

Tests that may be done

• No specific test for eczema — diagnosis is based on appearance and history
• Sometimes a skin patch test may be done to check for contact allergies
• A skin biopsy (taking a tiny piece of skin) is rarely needed

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will look at the affected skin, ask about itching and triggers, and may ask about your personal and family history of allergies. They will likely recommend a skincare routine and possibly medications to reduce inflammation.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on soothing the skin, reducing inflammation, and preventing flares. It combines self-care with medical treatments when needed.

Self-care at home

• Moisturise your skin at least twice a day with a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment
• Use mild, unscented soaps or soap substitutes
• Take short, lukewarm baths and pat skin dry (don't rub)
• Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wool
• Keep fingernails short to reduce damage from scratching
• Identify and avoid personal triggers (such as certain fabrics, stress, or dust mites)

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe creams or ointments that reduce inflammation and itching. These are often applied to the affected areas during flares. In some cases, they may recommend light therapy (phototherapy) using controlled doses of ultraviolet light. For severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, oral medications that affect the immune system may be considered. Always follow your doctor's instructions for any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for eczema.

Living with this condition

Managing eczema is a daily routine. The most important step is keeping your skin well-moisturised to protect the skin barrier. During flares, follow your treatment plan and avoid scratching.

Lifestyle tips

• Use a humidifier in dry indoor air to add moisture
• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Wear gloves when handling cleaning products or irritants
• Avoid extreme temperatures (very hot or cold) that can dry out skin

Diet and exercise

No specific diet is proven to help all people with eczema, but some people find that avoiding certain foods (like dairy or eggs) helps. A balanced diet supports overall skin health. Exercise is fine — just shower gently afterwards and moisturise to remove sweat.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Eczema can be emotionally challenging. Constant itching, visible rashes, and disrupted sleep may lead to frustration, embarrassment, or anxiety. It's normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if eczema is affecting your mood or confidence.

Prevention

Eczema itself cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the number and severity of flares by avoiding triggers, keeping skin well-moisturised, and managing stress.

Complications

If left untreated

• Skin infections (bacterial or viral) from scratching open skin
• Thickened, leathery skin from chronic scratching
• Sleep problems due to severe itching
• Reduced quality of life and emotional distress

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most people with eczema can control their symptoms and live active, comfortable lives. Many children outgrow eczema as they get older. Even if eczema persists, treatments are effective and research continues to improve options.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.