Eczema is a skin disorder that causes dryness, itching, and bumps. It deteriorates the functioning of the skin’s barrier, which helps preserve moisture and guards the body from external elements.
Eczema falls under the category of dermatitis, a group of illnesses characterized by skin inflammation.
There are various kinds of eczema, and each type has particular triggers that are likely to compromise the function of your skin’s barrier. They include:
It is also possible to experience more than one form of eczema simultaneously.
Anyone at any age can get eczema. The symptoms typically start in childhood and persist until maturity. Certain factors likely to increase the risk of developing eczema include a family history or personal diagnosis of dermatitis, allergies, asthma, and hay fever.
Dry skin, itching, and a rash are the initial symptoms of eczema. These symptoms suggest that your problems began or worsened because of an environmental trigger that you encountered. However, you can lower your chance of experiencing another flare-up of your eczema by recognizing and avoiding environmental triggers.
Common eczema symptoms may include:
The appearance of eczema can vary from one person to another. The rash might be gray, brown, or purple if you have dark skin. For those with a lighter skin tone, it may appear red, pink, or purple.
Eczema symptoms can develop anywhere on the skin. However, the most common areas include:
Eczema may as well occur in less common locations, such as:
Factors likely to contribute to eczema involve:
Eczema triggers vary from person to person, meaning what causes a flare-up for one individual may not affect another. Common triggers include:
The relationship between food allergies and eczema isn’t fully understood. However, if you have a food allergy, eating that food can lead to or worsen eczema symptoms. Common food allergens include:
It’s important to monitor what you eat. If your eczema worsens after consuming a specific food, it may indicate an allergy. For individuals without food allergies, there are no specific foods that will cause or aggravate eczema.
A physician or dermatologist (skin conditions specialist) diagnoses eczema through a physical examination, which involves closely inspecting your skin. Although eczema is often diagnosed during childhood since it’s common in children, it can be detected at any age when symptoms appear.
Because eczema symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, additional tests may be recommended to rule out other issues and confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:
Eczema treatment varies based on the cause of symptoms flare-ups. Common options include:
Managing eczema in children involves steps such as:
If the reason, such as genetics, is beyond your control, treating and managing eczema can be challenging. Thankfully, you might have some control over your surroundings as well as stress levels. Try to identify the things that cause or exacerbate your eczema, then stay away from them. The aim is to reduce discomfort and itching while avoiding infection and flare-ups.
Eczema can lead to complications if not properly managed. These complications may include:
Symptoms that may point to complications are:
To avoid flare-ups and outbreaks of eczema, consider the following strategies:
Managing eczema can be challenging, but with proper care, you can reduce its impact on your life. Eczema symptoms may come and go, with periods of “remission” when symptoms disappear and “flare-ups” when they worsen. Therefore, to manage eczema effectively, moisturize often, avoid triggers, take medication, and adhere to the given instructions.
Consult your physician or dermatologist if:
Eczema is a widespread and often uncomfortable skin disorder that can significantly impact your quality of life. Severe cases may disrupt sleep, hinder concentration, and affect your confidence in social settings.
If you notice early signs of eczema, consult a dermatologist or GP right away. Consider looking into both prescription and at-home treatments until you discover the most effective remedy for managing your symptoms and maintaining healthier skin.
20 Old Brampton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL, UK
Call us today!
Allergy clinic
Welcome to the Allergy Clinic, where specialised and comprehensive care meets tailored treatment plans for alleviating the allergic issues with ease. Backed by years of experience in healthcare, we are maintaining a patient-centric approach.
Follow us
© 2025 allergyclinic.co.uk. All rights reserved
Book Your Appointment