Atopic eczema can appear in different areas of the body, but it's common on the elbows, knees and hands. In babies and toddlers, it's also common on the face.
Atopic eczema can make your skin:
- itchy
- dry, cracked, crusty, scaly or thickened
- red, white, purple or grey, or lighter or darker than the skin around it (depending on your skin tone)
- blister or bleed
Symptoms can start at any age, but they usually start in babies and young children and tend to get better as they get older.
There are usually times where your symptoms get worse (called flare-ups) and times where they are better.
Other types of eczema
There are also other types of eczema, including contact dermatitis, discoid eczema, pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) and varicose eczema.
See a GP if:
- you or your child have symptoms of atopic eczema
- treatments are not helping your atopic eczema
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You or your child have atopic eczema and:
- it's blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has spots filled with pus
- it's painful, swollen or feels warm
- it suddenly gets worse or gets bigger
- you have a high temperature or feel generally unwell
These can be signs that your eczema is infected or you have a more serious condition called eczema herpeticum. You may need treatment such as antibiotics.
Check symptoms on 111 online (for anyone aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).
It's not always known what causes atopic eczema.
You're more likely to have it if:
- one or both of your parents have atopic eczema
- you or a close family member has asthma or hay fever
Atopic eczema can be made worse by things like:
- coming into contact with an allergen or irritant such as soap, washing detergent, pets, some fabrics, pollen, house-dust mites or certain foods
- heat or changes in temperature
- skin infections, such as a staph infection
- stress
- hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
Atopic eczema is not contagious so you cannot catch or spread it.
Find out more
There are some things you can do that can help with atopic eczema.
Do
avoid things that make your eczema worse such as soap, washing detergent, some fabrics or pets
apply moisturising treatments (emollients) to your skin as often as possible (at least 2 times a day) – continue to moisturise even if your eczema improves
wash with an emollient instead of soap
keep cool – being hot can make your eczema more itchy
keep nails short and put anti-scratch mittens on babies to help prevent damage to the skin from scratching
Don't
do not scratch your eczema, as it can make it worse – if your eczema is itchy, try gently rubbing the affected area with your finger instead
do not share your emollients with anyone else
do not put your fingers into an emollient pot – use a spoon or pump dispenser instead
do not use aqueous cream as it can irritate the skin and make eczema worse
do not change your diet unless you are told to by a doctor (this includes if you are breastfeeding a baby with eczema)
do not smoke or go near naked flames if you use an emollient – emollients are not flammable on the skin, but when they get on fabrics such as dressings, clothing and bedding they can catch fire more easily
A pharmacist can give advice and recommend some treatments if you have small areas of eczema that are dry and slightly itchy.
If your eczema is more severe, it's best to see a GP.
There's currently no cure for atopic eczema, although the symptoms tend to get better as you get older.
There are treatments that can help manage it and improve your symptoms.
The main treatments are:
- moisturising creams, lotions, ointments and gels you apply to your skin and wash with (emollients)
- steroid creams, lotions or gels you apply to your skin (topical corticosteroids)
If your eczema is more severe, there are other treatments such as special dressings or medicines.
A GP can prescribe some treatments, or you may be referred to a skin specialist (dermatologist).
Living with atopic eczema can be difficult. If it affects your mental health, you may be referred to a mental health specialist.
Find out more
You can get more information and advice about atopic eczema from:
