Eczema & Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Eczema & Dermatitis

Eczema and dermatitis are chronic skin conditions causing inflamed, itchy, and cracked skin. They impact both adults and children but can be managed with proper treatment. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Nurture skin health by using mild soaps and regular moisturization, applying prescribed creams to control inflammation and itching, opting for short baths or showers with warm, not hot, water, wearing soft and breathable clothing while avoiding rough materials like wool, and resisting the urge to scratch affected areas.

Recommended Avoidances

Be cautious of factors that can trigger eczema flare-ups, including irritants such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, and disinfectants, allergens like dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, and certain foods, and environmental influences like extreme temperatures, humidity levels, and sweat from exercise.

Prevention Tips

Mitigate eczema flare-ups by moisturizing your skin at least twice a day, identifying and avoiding triggers, opting for shorter showers or baths, and using a humidifier in dry or cold weather.

Condition 101

Eczema and Dermatitis are chronic skin conditions characterized by inflamed, itchy, and often cracked skin. Commonly affecting both adults and children, these skin disorders can significantly impact quality of life, but can be managed effectively with the right treatment and care strategies.

• Red or brownish-gray patches, particularly on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and, in infants, the face and scalp.
• Intense itching, especially at night.
• Small, raised bumps which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched.
• Thickened, cracked, scaly skin.
• Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching.
The exact cause of Eczema & Dermatitis remains unknown, but they're thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Certain substances or conditions called triggers can worsen the symptoms.
• Family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever or asthma.
• Occupation that involves exposure to irritants or allergens.
• Residing in a climate that is generally cold.
• History of other allergic conditions.
• Your skin is so itchy that it's disrupting your sleep or daily activities.
• You see signs of skin infection, such as redness, pus, or feeling unusually warm at the site of the rash.
• Home remedies or over-the-counter treatments aren't providing relief.
• The rash is widespread and causing pain or discomfort.

• Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will likely make a diagnosis by examining the affected skin and asking about your signs and symptoms.
• Patch testing: The skin is exposed to different allergens and observed for an allergic reaction.
• Skin Prick Test: Small amounts of allergens are pricked into your skin, and if you're allergic, you'll develop a raised bump.
• Other tests, such as blood tests, may be required in certain circumstances.
• Asthma and hay fever: Eczema sometimes precedes these conditions.
• Skin infections: Repeated scratching can cause open sores and cracks, inviting bacteria and viruses.
• Sleep problems: The itch-scratch cycle can cause poor sleep quality.
• Eczema is not contagious. You cannot catch eczema by coming in contact with someone who has it.
• Eczema is not due to poor hygiene.
Other skin conditions that can mimic eczema include:
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Contact dermatitis
• Fungal infections

CONTACT US

Treatment Options

Need more information about Eczema & Dermatitis, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

• Topical corticosteroids
• Emollients
• Antihistamines
• Calcineurin inhibitors

• Prescription creams and ointments containing corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors
• Antibiotics to treat infected skin
• Systemic corticosteroids
• Dupilumab, a biologic drug for severe cases

Call Now

Visit us

Our Boutique Pharmacies

Knightsbridge Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

40 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7JN

Directions

Call Branch

Marble Arch Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 00:00
Sun: 11:00 - 00:00

99 Edgware Road
London
W2 2HX

Directions

Call Branch

Edgware Road Branch

Mon-Sat: 09:00 - 01:00
Sun: 10:00 - 01:00

160 Edgware Road
London
W2 2DS

Directions

Call Branch

Kensington Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

19 High Street Kensington
London
W8 5NP

Directions

Call Branch

Cart0 items