Eczema describes an itchy, inflamed skin rash. The term eczema comes from a Greek word meaning 'to boil over'. This condition may also be called dermatitis.

Eczema overview

Eczema is a common condition affecting 10-20% of school children and around 5% of adults in the UK.

Though the tendency to develop eczema generally has a genetic component, certain foods (such as dairy products, eggs and yeast) and skin irritants (pet hair, detergents, wool) can act as triggers, particularly in children.

Eczema is divided into a number of types according to the main cause, even though the symptoms may be similar. (see below). Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema and is often linked with hay-fever and asthma.

There are a number of treatments for both children and adults that can relieve the symptoms. The right treatment may depend on the cause, and it's often necessary to try several treatments before finding one that is successful.

Although there isn't a cure for eczema, there are a number of things you can do to manage it. The goal of eczema treatment is to heal the skin, keep it in good condition and manage the symptoms when they appear. There are also a number of things you can do to help prevent your eczema from flaring up.

It's important to remember that eczema is not contagious.

Types of eczema

There are five main types of eczema:

Atopic Eczema

• Atopic eczema: this is the most common type of eczema. Atopic eczema sufferers may also develop asthma or hay fever or have relatives who have these conditions.

• Discoid eczema: this appears as small round circles or patches on the skin and is most common around middle age.

• Allergic contact eczema: the skin becomes sensitised to something over a period of time and an allergic reaction occurs on re-exposure.

Seborrhoeic eczema

• Irritant contact eczema: occurs when the skin comes in contact with something that strips away its natural oils and makes the skin red, dry, cracked and itchy.

• Seborrhoeic eczema: is also very common and usually shows up in areas rich in sebaceous (grease) glands, like the forehead, scalp and side of the nose.

Many children outgrow eczema around the age of seven, although they may always remain susceptible to it when the body is put under stress. They can also pass the tendency onto their children.

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