Eczema / Dermatitis
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. It is common in children but can occur at any age. The condition tends to flare periodically and may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
Signs and symptoms
Eczema / Dermatitis commonly presents with the following signs. Not every patient shows all of them — an in-person examination by a dermatologist is what confirms the diagnosis.
Dry, Cracked Skin
Skin that feels rough, tight, and flaky with visible cracks or fissures, often accompanied by mild pain or bleeding in severe cases.
Affected area: hands, feet, elbows, knees
Itching (Pruritus)
Persistent urge to scratch the skin, which may be localised to a specific area or generalised across the body. Itching can range from mild to severe and may worsen at night.
Affected area: skin (any area)
Redness (Erythema)
Visible redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the area, often associated with inflammation, irritation, or infection.
Affected area: skin (any area)
Swelling (Oedema)
Puffiness or enlargement of skin and underlying tissue, often warm to touch and associated with inflammation or allergic reactions.
Affected area: skin (any area), eyelids, lips
Causes
A combination of genetic and environmental factors. Dry skin, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to irritants or allergens can trigger flares.
Treatment approach
Treatment involves prescription emollients, topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antihistamines for itch control. We focus on identifying and avoiding triggers, establishing a proper skin care routine, and preventing flares through systematic management.
Common questions
How do I stop the itching in eczema?
The itch is the part of eczema that ruins sleep, and breaking the itch-scratch cycle is usually the first goal of treatment rather than an afterthought. Three things do most of the work: a moisturiser applied far more often and far more generously than most patients think necessary, a prescribed anti-inflammatory cream used correctly during a flare, and avoiding hot water and harsh soap, both of which strip the skin further. Antihistamines help some patients sleep but do little for the itch itself.
Are steroid creams safe for eczema?
Used as prescribed, for the right strength on the right part of the body and for a defined period, topical steroids are safe and are the treatment that ends most flares. The harm we actually see comes from the opposite directions: patients who are so frightened of steroids that they undertreat a flare for months, and patients who buy a strong combination cream over the counter and apply it to the face for a year without supervision. Both are avoidable with an examination and a clear plan.