eczema screening test preparation

Overview

Eczema is a skin condition that makes your skin dry, itchy, and red. A screening test for eczema helps doctors find out if you have eczema and what might be causing it to flare up. These tests are often done to look for allergies that could be making your eczema worse.

Yes, eczema is very common. About 1 in 5 children and up to 1 in 10 adults have it in the UK and other developed countries.

Eczema can affect anyone, but it often starts in babies and young children. It also runs in families, especially in people who have asthma or hay fever.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Itchy skin, sometimes severe
• Red or inflamed patches of skin
• Dry, rough, or scaly skin
• Weeping or crusting areas if scratched
• Thickened skin from chronic scratching

Symptoms in children

• Often appears on the face, scalp, and outer arms and legs
• Babies may have red, weepy patches on their cheeks and scalp
• Older children may have rashes in creases of elbows, knees, and wrists

Symptoms in older adults

• Skin may appear very dry and itchy all over
• Rashes often occur on the hands, eyelids, and back of the neck
• Skin can become thickened from long-term scratching

Causes

Main causes

• Eczema is caused by a combination of genetics (genes you inherit) and environmental triggers.
• People with eczema have a weakened skin barrier, which lets moisture out and irritants in.
• An overactive immune system can cause inflammation when triggered.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever
• Living in a dry or cold climate
• Having certain allergies (to food, dust mites, pets, or pollen)
• Frequent hand washing or exposure to harsh soaps and chemicals

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a severe allergic reaction during or after a screening test
• If your skin becomes infected (red, hot, swollen, or has yellow crusts) and you feel unwell

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your eczema is not getting better with over-the-counter moisturisers and mild treatments
• If you want to find out what triggers your eczema (your doctor can arrange screening tests)
• If your child has eczema that affects sleep or daily activities

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose eczema by looking at your skin and asking about your symptoms and family history. Screening tests, like allergy tests, can help find triggers but are not needed for everyone.

Tests that may be done

• Patch test: small patches with common allergens are placed on your back for 48 hours to see if your skin reacts.
• Skin prick test: a tiny drop of allergen is placed on your skin, then the skin is pricked lightly. A small bump means you might be allergic.
• Blood test (specific IgE): a blood sample is checked for antibodies against common allergens.

What to expect at your appointment

Before a patch test, you may be asked to stop taking certain allergy medicines (antihistamines) for a few days. On the day, your skin will be marked with a pen, and patches are applied. You cannot shower or get the test area wet. You will return in 2–3 days for the reading. For a skin prick test, results come in about 15 minutes. Your doctor will explain the results and what they mean for your eczema.

Treatment

Treatment for eczema focuses on repairing the skin barrier, controlling itching, and reducing inflammation. Your doctor will suggest a plan based on how severe your eczema is and what triggers it.

Self-care at home

• Moisturise your skin at least twice a day with a fragrance-free emollient (moisturiser)
• Use gentle, soap-free cleansers and lukewarm water
• Avoid scratching—keep nails short and consider wearing soft cotton gloves at night
• Identify and avoid triggers (e.g., harsh soaps, scratchy fabrics, certain foods if allergies are confirmed)

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe creams or ointments that reduce inflammation, such as topical corticosteroids (to be used for short periods) or non-steroidal creams. For moderate to severe eczema, treatments like light therapy (phototherapy) or oral medicines that calm the immune system may be used. Always follow your doctor’s instructions—never use more than recommended.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat eczema.

Living with this condition

Living with eczema means making skin care part of your daily routine. Carry a small tube of moisturiser with you, and plan ahead for activities like swimming or wearing certain fabrics. Many people find their eczema improves with consistent care.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear soft, breathable clothing like cotton
• Keep your home at a comfortable temperature and use a humidifier in dry weather
• Avoid long, hot baths or showers
• Manage stress, as it can trigger flare-ups

Diet and exercise

There is no one diet that helps all people with eczema. Some people find that certain foods (like dairy, eggs, or nuts) worsen their eczema—this is more common in children. If you suspect a food trigger, talk to your doctor before cutting it out. Exercise is healthy, but shower and moisturise soon after to avoid sweat irritating your skin.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with eczema can be stressful and may affect your confidence or sleep. It is normal to feel frustrated or worried. Talking to a counsellor or joining a support group can help. Remember that you are not alone.

Prevention

Eczema itself cannot be prevented, but you may be able to reduce the number of flare-ups by avoiding known triggers and keeping your skin well moisturised. For babies, research suggests that applying moisturiser from birth may lower the risk of developing eczema in families with a history of allergies.

Vaccines

Vaccines do not prevent or treat eczema, but it is safe to have routine vaccinations when you have eczema—just avoid putting any vaccine on an active rash area. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Screening programmes

Screening tests for eczema (like allergy tests) are not done for everyone. They are used when symptoms are hard to control or when a specific trigger is suspected. Talk to your doctor about whether testing is right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Skin infections (bacterial or viral) from scratching damaged skin
• Sleep problems due to itching at night
• Thickened, leathery skin from long-term scratching (lichenification)
• Social and emotional effects from visible rashes or itching

Long-term outlook

With good skin care and treatment, most people with eczema can control their symptoms very well. Eczema often improves as children get older, though some adults continue to have flares. There are many effective ways to manage eczema, and a healthy skin care routine can make a big difference. You are not alone—help is available.

Find support

Local organisations

• National Eczema Society (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom

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