preventing eczema

Overview

Eczema is a common skin condition that makes your skin dry, itchy, and sore. It is not contagious. This article focuses on how to prevent eczema and reduce flare-ups.

Yes. Eczema is very common. Around 1 in 5 children and up to 1 in 10 adults have it at some point.

Eczema can affect anyone, but it often starts in babies and young children. Some children grow out of it, but many continue to have dry, sensitive skin as adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Itchy, dry, and chapped skin
• Red or inflamed patches of skin
• Rough or scaly areas
• Cracks that may ooze or crust when scratched

Symptoms in children

• Flare-ups often appear on the face, cheeks, and outsides of elbows and knees
• Children may scratch until the skin bleeds, making it worse
• Sleep can be disturbed by itchiness

Symptoms in older adults

• Eczema often appears on the hands, neck, and around the eyes
• Skin can be very dry, thick, and scaly
• Older adults may also have cracked and painful skin that bleeds easily

Causes

Main causes

• The skin barrier is weak, so it loses moisture and lets irritants in more easily
• The immune system overreacts to harmless things like dust, soap, or sweat
• A combination of genes and environmental factors plays a role

Risk factors

• A family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever
• Living in dry or cold climates
• Having very sensitive skin that reacts to wool, perfumes, or certain soaps

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If the eczema becomes severely painful, blistered, or spreads quickly
• If you notice oozing, crusting, or fever, which may mean infection
• If over-the-counter moisturisers are not helping and the skin is cracking deeply

Book a routine appointment if:

• For a first diagnosis, so you can get a clear care plan
• If flare-ups are frequent or hard to control
• If you want to identify triggers through allergy or patch testing

Diagnosis

A doctor usually diagnoses eczema by looking at your skin and asking about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history. You do not usually need special tests for eczema.

Tests that may be done

• In some cases, a doctor may do a skin patch test to check for contact dermatitis, which is a type of eczema caused by an allergy to something touching the skin
• Allergy tests are sometimes used if food or hay fever triggers are suspected
• No blood test is usually needed for eczema itself

What to expect at your appointment

During your appointment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected areas. They may talk to you about your daily skin care and check for signs of infection. Based on this, they will suggest a personal care plan.

Treatment

Eczema treatment focuses on three things: repairing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and avoiding triggers. Most people need a daily routine of moisturising and gentle skin care, with medications only when flare-ups happen.

Self-care at home

• Moisturise at least twice a day using a fragrance-free emollient (a cream or ointment that traps moisture)
• Take lukewarm baths or showers and gently pat your skin dry
• Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wool or rough seams
• Use mild, fragrance-free soap substitutes and laundry detergents
• Avoid scratching—keep nails short and use a cool cloth or emollient to calm the itch

Medical treatments

Doctors can prescribe treatments to reduce inflammation and itching, usually in the form of creams or ointments that you apply to the skin. These are called topical treatments and include emollients, topical anti-inflammatory medicines, and sometimes other prescription creams. In more severe cases, light therapy or stronger prescription medicines may be recommended. Never start or change eczema medications without talking to a qualified healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat eczema.

Living with this condition

Living with eczema means building a steady skin care routine and being kind to your skin. The goal is to keep flare-ups small and infrequent, so you can focus on your daily life.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep the skin moisturised every day, even when skin looks clear
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms to add moisture to the air
• Choose fragrance-free products and test a little on your skin first
• Manage stress with breathing exercises, walks, or talking to someone you trust

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed for eczema. Some people notice certain foods trigger their symptoms, but this is not true for everyone. Try to eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Exercise is good for you, but shower off sweat afterwards to reduce skin irritation.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with itchy, visible skin can be stressful and sometimes affects confidence. It is completely normal to feel frustrated or embarrassed at times. If eczema is affecting your mood, sleep, or social life, talk to your healthcare provider. For urgent emotional distress, reach out to a mental health crisis service in your area.

Prevention

Eczema itself cannot always be prevented, especially if it runs in your family. But you can do a lot to prevent flare-ups and keep your skin calm. Daily moisturising and avoiding known triggers are the most effective prevention strategies.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for eczema, but keeping up with routine vaccinations is safe and recommended, as infections can make eczema worse.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for eczema. Seeing a doctor promptly when symptoms first appear is the best way to start prevention early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated eczema can lead to repeated scratching, which damages the skin and increases the risk of skin infections
• Thick, dry skin can form over time, a condition called lichenification
• Itch can become so intense that it disrupts sleep, work, and everyday life

Long-term outlook

With the right skin care plan, most people with eczema can control their symptoms well. Flare-ups become more manageable, and many children see a big improvement as they grow. Eczema is a long-term condition, but it does not have to stop you living a full and active life.

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