eczema risk reduction

Overview

Eczema is a common skin condition that makes your skin dry, itchy, and inflamed. It often looks like red or rough patches. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, but there are several other types. Eczema is not contagious.

Yes, eczema is very common. It affects around one in five children and up to one in ten adults in the UK and many other countries.

Eczema often starts in early childhood, but it can appear at any age. It tends to run in families and is more likely if you or a relative has asthma or hay fever.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dryness and tightness of the skin
• Itching, often worse at night
• Red or brownish patches of skin
• Small, raised bumps that may weep or crust
• Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin

Symptoms in children

• Itchy, dry patches on the face, scalp, elbows, and knees
• Crusting or oozing spots that can become infected from scratching
• Sore, angry-looking skin that may affect sleep and everyday play

Symptoms in older adults

• Very dry, scaly skin that can crack and sometimes bleed
• Thickened, leathery patches, especially on the hands or neck
• Persistent itch that may be worse in dry or cold weather

Causes

Main causes

• Eczema happens when your skin's natural barrier is weaker than usual, so moisture escapes and irritants get in.
• Your immune system can overreact to certain triggers, causing inflammation and itching.
• It is not caused by poor hygiene, and it is not contagious.

Risk factors

• Family history – eczema, asthma, or hay fever in your family
• Living in a dry, dusty, or cold climate
• Stress and emotional pressure
• Irritants like soaps, detergents, fragrances, and some fabrics
• Allergens such as house dust mites, pollen, or pet dander
• Very hot or very cold weather, or changes in temperature

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Itchy, red skin that does not improve with moisturising and gentle care
• Pain or tenderness in a patch of eczema that is not going away
• Signs of infection, like weeping, crusting, or red streaks

Book a routine appointment if:

• If eczema affects your sleep, work, or mood
• If you need help building a daily skin-care routine
• At least once a year if you have long-term eczema, to review treatment

Diagnosis

A doctor will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms, personal and family history. They will often ask about your lifestyle and any triggers you've noticed.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed. Sometimes a doctor may do a patch test to check for contact allergies, or a small skin scraping to rule out other conditions.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will work with you to create a plan for managing your skin. This might include which moisturisers to use, how to avoid triggers, and what to do if a flare-up happens. They may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) if your eczema is severe or not improving.

Treatment

Treatment for eczema focuses on three things: repairing your skin barrier with moisturisers, reducing inflammation and itching, and avoiding triggers. A simple, consistent routine is usually the most effective approach.

Self-care at home

• Apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser to damp skin every day, even when your skin feels fine.
• Use only gentle, scent-free washes and warm (not hot) water.
• Wear soft, breathable clothing like cotton and avoid wool directly on the skin.
• Keep nails short and filed to reduce damage from scratching.
• Try to identify and avoid your personal triggers, such as soaps, dust, or stress.

Medical treatments

If moisturisers alone are not enough, a doctor may recommend prescription treatments. These often include anti-inflammatory creams or ointments to put on affected skin, which help reduce redness and itching. For more severe eczema, there are light therapies using controlled ultraviolet light, or tablets and injectable medicines that calm the overactive immune response. Always discuss the options with your doctor, and use treatments exactly as prescribed.

Living with this condition

The key to living with eczema is consistency. Make moisturising a daily habit, keep your environment skin-friendly (e.g., not too hot or dry), and have a clear plan for flare-ups. It can help to keep a simple daily routine and use gentle products throughout your life.

Lifestyle tips

• Moisturise every day, especially after showers or handwashing.
• Use a humidifier in winter if the air is dry.
• Manage stress with relaxation, breathing exercises, or talking about how you feel.
• Wear gloves when handling cleaning products or chemicals.
• Avoid perfumes, dyes, and other potential irritants in skincare and laundry products.

Diet and exercise

There is no one-size-fits-all eczema diet. Some people find that certain foods make their skin worse, but it is different for everyone. If you suspect a food link, talk to a doctor before cutting out foods, especially for children. Regular exercise is good for overall health – just rinse off sweat promptly and moisturise afterwards.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Eczema can affect how you feel about yourself, especially when the itch is constant or the skin looks different. It can disturb sleep and cause frustration or anxiety. These feelings are normal. Talking to a healthcare professional or a counsellor can help you find ways to cope.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent eczema from developing, especially if it runs in the family. However, once you have it, you can lower the chance of flare-ups by avoiding your known triggers, using moisturisers daily, and keeping your skin care routine gentle. In some prescription products, early moisturising in babies may help, but more research is needed. For someone who already has eczema, 'prevention' really means preventing flare-ups.

Complications

If left untreated

• Skin infections, which may need antibiotics and can become serious
• Thickened, discoloured skin from constant scratching (lichenification)
• Poor sleep and tiredness due to itching at night
• Lower confidence and increased stress or anxiety

Long-term outlook

With the right support, eczema can usually be kept under control. Many children outgrow it or find it becomes much milder with age. Even when flare-ups happen, they can be managed. You are not alone, and reaching out to a healthcare professional is a positive step towards feeling better.

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