What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common long term skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. It can affect people of all ages, including babies, children, and adults. Eczema tends to flare up from time to time and then improve. While it is not contagious, it can significantly affect comfort, sleep, and quality of life if not well controlled.
What causes eczema?
Eczema develops due to a combination of factors, including a weakened skin barrier and an overactive immune response.
Common contributing factors
- Genetic tendency (family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever)
- Dry or sensitive skin
- Immune system overreaction to irritants or allergens
Triggers that can worsen eczema
- Soaps, detergents, and cleaning products
- Cold or dry weather
- Heat, sweating, or friction
- Stress or poor sleep
- Certain fabrics such as wool
- Infections of the skin
- Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander
- Some foods in children (less common in adults)
What are the common symptoms of eczema?
You may notice:
- Dry, rough, or scaly skin
- Itching, which can be severe
- Red, inflamed, or swollen areas
- Cracked skin that may bleed
- Oozing or crusting during flares
- Thickened skin from repeated scratching
- Disturbed sleep due to itching
- Eczema commonly affects the hands, face, neck, elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical advice if:
- The skin is very painful, hot, swollen, or rapidly worsening
- There are signs of a serious skin infection such as spreading redness, pus, fever, or feeling unwell
- Eczema around the eyes is severe or affecting vision
- A child with eczema becomes lethargic or unwell
Seek same day medical care if:
- Eczema is flaring badly and not responding to usual treatment
- There is suspected skin infection
- Itching is severe and affecting sleep or daily life
- The skin is cracking, bleeding, or oozing
- Eczema is worsening despite regular moisturising
- A GP will assess eczema based on your symptoms, triggers, and medical history.
During an online GP consultation, we can:
- Discuss your symptoms, flare patterns, and triggers
- Review current creams and treatments
- Assess for infection or complications
- Advise on skincare routines and trigger avoidance
- Prescribe appropriate treatments
- Decide if specialist referral is needed
You may require an in person review if:
- The diagnosis is uncertain
- There is severe or infected eczema
- Treatment is not working
- Photographs or examination are needed to guide management
- Treatment and management options
- Self care and daily management
- Good skincare is the foundation of eczema control:
- Apply emollients liberally and frequently, even when skin looks clear
- Use soap substitutes or gentle cleansers
- Avoid hot showers and long baths
- Pat skin dry and moisturise immediately after washing
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Keep nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching
- Identify and avoid personal triggers where possible
Treatment from a GP
A GP may recommend:
- Topical steroid creams or ointments to control inflammation during flares
- Non steroid anti inflammatory creams in certain cases
- Treatment for infected eczema, such as antibiotics
- Antihistamines to help with itching and sleep
- Advice on step up or step down treatment plans
Referral to a dermatologist may be needed if:
- Eczema is severe or widespread
- Symptoms are not controlled with standard treatment
- There is diagnostic uncertainty
- Advanced treatments such as light therapy or systemic medication are required
How Dr.Online UK can help
We offer:
- Same day online GP appointments
- Assessment and diagnosis of eczema
- Private prescriptions for eczema treatments
- Personalised skincare and flare management plans
- Referral to dermatology services where needed
