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Atopic eczema

Symptoms of atopic eczema

Atopic eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore.

Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.

Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin. This can also be more difficult to see on darker skin.

Although atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.

People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups).

Causes of atopic eczema

The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it's clear it is not down to one single thing.

Atopic eczema often occurs in people who get allergies. "Atopic" means sensitivity to allergens.

It can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

The symptoms of atopic eczema often have certain triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather. 

Sometimes food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema.

You may be asked to keep a food diary to try to determine whether a specific food makes your symptoms worse.

Allergy tests are not usually needed, although they're sometimes helpful in identifying whether a food allergy may be triggering symptoms.

Treating atopic eczema

Treatment for atopic eczema can help to relieve the symptoms and many cases improve over time.

But there's currently no cure and severe eczema often has a significant impact on daily life, which may be difficult to cope with physically and mentally.

There's also an increased risk of skin infections. 

Many different treatments can be used to control symptoms and manage eczema, including:

  • self-care techniques, such as reducing scratching and avoiding triggers
  • emollients (moisturising treatments) – used on a daily basis for dry skin
  • topical corticosteroids – used to reduce swelling, redness and itching during flare-ups

The main symptom of atopic eczema is patches of skin that are itchy, dry, cracked and sore.

Treatments for atopic eczema include emollients (moisturising treatments) and steroid creams.

You're more likely to get atopic eczema if you have allergies or other family members with conditions like atopic eczema, asthma or hay fever.

Related links

Atopic eczema

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Complications

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548 public posts

Diagnosed as gout but I don't think it is

eczema and have had psoriasis on scalp and neck if I get stressed Doctor gave me allurpurin which gave me the most horrendous tummy upset.
eczema and have had psoriasis on scalp and neck if I get stressed Doctor gave me allurpurin which gave me the most horrendous tummy upset.
harryhonda25 profile image
harryhonda25
in Osteoarthritis Action
8 months ago

Diagnosed as gout but I don't think it is

eczema and have had psoriasis on scalp and neck if I get stressed Doctor gave me allurpurin which gave me the most horrendous tummy upset.
eczema and have had psoriasis on scalp and neck if I get stressed Doctor gave me allurpurin which gave me the most horrendous tummy upset.
harryhonda25 profile image
harryhonda25
in MPN Voice
8 months ago

Topical peppermint oil for pain management?

Hey, everyone, I'm new here I'm looking for more over the counter options especially low cost. I spend far more than I would like to admit on managing my IBS. I have only heard of Peppermint oil capsules but has anyone tried applying it topically to their abdomen? I'm not sure it would be effective
Hey, everyone, I'm new here I'm looking for more over the counter options especially low cost. I spend far more than I would like to admit on managing my IBS. I have only heard of Peppermint oil capsules but has anyone tried applying it topically to their abdomen? I'm not sure it would be effective
HealingSlowly profile image
HealingSlowly
in IBS Network
14 days ago
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My Boy

My son was 43, he had scoliosis and lordosis and severe learning difficulties, he also had a wicked sense of humour and loved going out in his wheelchair In 2018 my son went to a & e after vomiting faeces, he was diagnosed with a blockage and given enemas and sent home with a prescription for movicol
My son was 43, he had scoliosis and lordosis and severe learning difficulties, he also had a wicked sense of humour and loved going out in his wheelchair In 2018 my son went to a & e after vomiting faeces, he was diagnosed with a blockage and given enemas and sent home with a prescription for movicol
mum-forever profile image
mum-forever
in Mencap
14 days ago

Sucralfate enemas

Hi, i had EBRT 20x3gy in sept 2021. I have been passing quite a lot of blood with most bowel movements for the past circa 8 months, a, sigmoidoscopy in January 2023 diagnosed Proctopathy and a couple of 'diverticulae', i was referred to a CNS to look at possibly using sucralfate enemas, question is.
Hi, i had EBRT 20x3gy in sept 2021. I have been passing quite a lot of blood with most bowel movements for the past circa 8 months, a, sigmoidoscopy in January 2023 diagnosed Proctopathy and a couple of 'diverticulae', i was referred to a CNS to look at possibly using sucralfate enemas, question is.
NkHaj profile image
NkHaj
in Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
2 months ago

Eczema around eyes - Any Treatment advice?

Hi! Several months ago I started noticing red marks on my eyelids and above my eyes. This was during an asthma flare up. The doctor has since confirmed it's eczema and it's the first time I've experienced this. I was given Hydrocortisone cream (1%) which I used for 2 courses and this has cleared it up
Hi! Several months ago I started noticing red marks on my eyelids and above my eyes. This was during an asthma flare up. The doctor has since confirmed it's eczema and it's the first time I've experienced this. I was given Hydrocortisone cream (1%) which I used for 2 courses and this has cleared it up
Tyson88 profile image
Tyson88
in MY SKIN
4 months ago

Off topic-dry lips relief

I notice from time to time the subject of dry cracked lips. Like anyone who suffers, I’ve tried lots of different products. I stumbled across a recommendation for Bepanthen nappy rash cream. 🙄. I’ll try anything once. It works a treat for me and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone. If
I notice from time to time the subject of dry cracked lips. Like anyone who suffers, I’ve tried lots of different products. I stumbled across a recommendation for Bepanthen nappy rash cream. 🙄. I’ll try anything once. It works a treat for me and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone. If
Esmereld profile image
Esmereld
in NRAS
4 months ago

Cavadex

Hi all , has anyone heard of cavadextrin or cavadex , it's an Australian company whose owner had blocked arteries, high cholesterol etc and he claims that a beta cyclodextrin he has developed has reversed ( to a degree ) his atherosclerosis, and dramatically lowered his cholesterol just wondering
Hi all , has anyone heard of cavadextrin or cavadex , it's an Australian company whose owner had blocked arteries, high cholesterol etc and he claims that a beta cyclodextrin he has developed has reversed ( to a degree ) his atherosclerosis, and dramatically lowered his cholesterol just wondering
Flagger profile image
Flagger
in British Heart Foundation
3 months ago

Constipation after chemo

Can anyone please advise how they dealt with the constipation. My first chemo last week and I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like it! I ended up in hospital with faecal impaction. Ended up having an enema! Nurse called it a poobabie! Any advice would be very much appreciated xxx
Can anyone please advise how they dealt with the constipation. My first chemo last week and I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like it! I ended up in hospital with faecal impaction. Ended up having an enema! Nurse called it a poobabie! Any advice would be very much appreciated xxx
Bunnyj profile image
Bunnyj
in My Ovacome
3 months ago

UCLA wants me to have a bowel movement everyday before each of the 20 tx? what is the exact purpose of this? ( does it protect anus,urethra?

UCLA wants me to have a bowel movement everyday before each of the 20 tx? what is the exact purpose of this?It doesn't appear that it can lift or lower any of the anatomy away from the radiation and their is no ultrasound guidance , so no ultrasound in rectum...therefore, I don't know the exact purpose
UCLA wants me to have a bowel movement everyday before each of the 20 tx? what is the exact purpose of this?It doesn't appear that it can lift or lower any of the anatomy away from the radiation and their is no ultrasound guidance , so no ultrasound in rectum...therefore, I don't know the exact purpose
JWS13 profile image
JWS13
in Prostate Cancer Network
5 months ago

Hysterectomy on going discomfort.

Hi I am a pretty active 76 yr old. I had a Hysterectomy in March 2021. I had a couple pesseraries of different sizes fitted for 3 months before the op that were very uncomfortable. I put up with the pain as Covid had just taken off and we were in the 1st lock down.I am in general good health I do have
Hi I am a pretty active 76 yr old. I had a Hysterectomy in March 2021. I had a couple pesseraries of different sizes fitted for 3 months before the op that were very uncomfortable. I put up with the pain as Covid had just taken off and we were in the 1st lock down.I am in general good health I do have
1Spidar-girl profile image
1Spidar-girl
in Women's Health
5 months ago

seborrheic dermatitis

if I have seborrheic dermatitis, does that mean I will get Parkinson’s disease? I’m 29 and have had Seborrheic dermatitis for some years now? I saw some people get it after but not before. Scared at the moment
if I have seborrheic dermatitis, does that mean I will get Parkinson’s disease? I’m 29 and have had Seborrheic dermatitis for some years now? I saw some people get it after but not before. Scared at the moment
Curiousperson55 profile image
Curiousperson55
in Cure Parkinson's
6 months ago

Chronic constipation and excessive use of enema

I m 45 plus male having constipation since teens. Used excessive enema now it is not working. Consulted gastrointestinal expert gave some medicine, it helps but largely it is psychological. I can't pass stool its like lump and results in anal fissures. Any suggestion who had similar experience
I m 45 plus male having constipation since teens. Used excessive enema now it is not working. Consulted gastrointestinal expert gave some medicine, it helps but largely it is psychological. I can't pass stool its like lump and results in anal fissures. Any suggestion who had similar experience
Mohammad-341 profile image
Mohammad-341
in Anxiety and Depression Support
5 months ago

Stuck between deciding on IMRT CONDENSED and SBRT with 4 months ORGOVXY- Have Jan 12th date to make decision for UCLA (meet with Dr. Kishan)

I will give you the facts as I know them and who recommends each therapy: 1. I live near UCLA so convenience is not a factor ,however 20 IMRT treatments is more than 5 SBRT Treatments. 2. Dr. Howard Sandler, (Cedars -Sinai) -RO, Dr. Rana McKAY -UCSD -MO , Dr.
I will give you the facts as I know them and who recommends each therapy: 1. I live near UCLA so convenience is not a factor ,however 20 IMRT treatments is more than 5 SBRT Treatments. 2. Dr. Howard Sandler, (Cedars -Sinai) -RO, Dr. Rana McKAY -UCSD -MO , Dr.
JWS13 profile image
JWS13
in Prostate Cancer Network
6 months ago

Gentle liver flush - any benefits?

Hi All I've been reading about the link between hypothyroid and liver. I have decided to do a gentle detox. This involves castor oil on a cloth and a hot water bottle and lying it on the liver region for about 45 minutes. I've do it two days in a row. I just wondered if anyone else has done this and
Hi All I've been reading about the link between hypothyroid and liver. I have decided to do a gentle detox. This involves castor oil on a cloth and a hot water bottle and lying it on the liver region for about 45 minutes. I've do it two days in a row. I just wondered if anyone else has done this and
clarityforest profile image
clarityforest
in Thyroid UK
6 months ago

Blocked feeling in bowel

I am having a strange feeling like a discomfort in my rectum after passing stools. Have to use a mini enema as constipated, hard stool. After my bowels close I get a feeling like a numbness and bloated feeling in my bowel . Feels like trapped wind and won’t completely go even after I pass wind. Does
I am having a strange feeling like a discomfort in my rectum after passing stools. Have to use a mini enema as constipated, hard stool. After my bowels close I get a feeling like a numbness and bloated feeling in my bowel . Feels like trapped wind and won’t completely go even after I pass wind. Does
Merlinjardin profile image
Merlinjardin
in IBS Network
6 months ago

I think I’m impacted

About two years ago I was diagnosed with IBS-C. I was prescribed Lizness, which worked a little… too well. I woke up twice having pooped myself in the night. After stopping the medication, I used natural alternatives and while still having uncomfortable trips to the bathroom, they were manageable. About
About two years ago I was diagnosed with IBS-C. I was prescribed Lizness, which worked a little… too well. I woke up twice having pooped myself in the night. After stopping the medication, I used natural alternatives and while still having uncomfortable trips to the bathroom, they were manageable. About
Hdbhdb profile image
Hdbhdb
in IBS Network
7 months ago

How to prepare for the Radiation Therapy? Your advise/help are appreciated.

My husband will receive 20 session of radiation therapy which started on 11/3/22. He is drinking 64 oz water every day therefore he is very hydrated. He is doing everything by the “book”, but Today they weren’t able to administer the radiation because he was gassy (took 2 gas x tablet 1 hour before
My husband will receive 20 session of radiation therapy which started on 11/3/22. He is drinking 64 oz water every day therefore he is very hydrated. He is doing everything by the “book”, but Today they weren’t able to administer the radiation because he was gassy (took 2 gas x tablet 1 hour before
Wifey68 profile image
Wifey68
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
7 months ago

Question about CKD and having a colonoscopy

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with CKD Stage 2. I am also scheduled to have a colonoscopy in December. I am scared that the laxative solution and the phosphate enema that I have to take as part of preparing for the colonoscopy will damage my kidneys even more than they already are. I am also worried
Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with CKD Stage 2. I am also scheduled to have a colonoscopy in December. I am scared that the laxative solution and the phosphate enema that I have to take as part of preparing for the colonoscopy will damage my kidneys even more than they already are. I am also worried
manz135 profile image
manz135
in Kidney Disease
7 months ago

Dermatitis returned after steroid treatment

I have recently developed severe eczema, and after 6 months I was finally prescribed a 6 week course of prednisolone. Soon after the end of the course of steroids, my condition returned. My skin is intensely uncomfortable. Am undergoing blood tests but so far not conclusive.
I have recently developed severe eczema, and after 6 months I was finally prescribed a 6 week course of prednisolone. Soon after the end of the course of steroids, my condition returned. My skin is intensely uncomfortable. Am undergoing blood tests but so far not conclusive.
T1ap profile image
T1ap
in MY SKIN
8 months ago
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