Atopic Eczema (atopic dermatitis)is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy and cracked. The long-term condition is non-contagious and can affect people of all ages, although it’s more common in children. Here, we’ll explore the types and symptoms of Atopic Eczema, what causes eczema and how it’s diagnosed and treated. For more information and support in navigating Atopic Eczema, sign up to Carecircle and connect with fellow patients, carers and experts. 

What is Atopic Eczema?

Atopic Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a dry skin condition that can affect people of all ages, although it’s more common in children. The long-term condition causes the skin to become red, itchy and cracked and usually runs in families. In the UK, it affects approximately 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 children, although many children eventually grow out of it.

Types of Atopic Eczema

There are many different eczema types and atopic is the most common one. The term ‘Atopic’ describes the tendency for it to run in families or affect those who already have other types of allergies. Often, those with Atopic Eczema are more likely to have food allergies, hay fever and asthma.

Other types of eczema include discoid eczema, contact dermatitis, varicose eczema, eczema herpeticum, seborrhoeic eczema and dyshidrotic eczema.

Baby’s Eczema

Baby’s eczema most commonly takes the form of Atopic Eczema. It usually appears in the first six months to 5 years of a child’s life. Atopic Eczema in babies and children may act and look differently as the child gets older.

For infants under 6 months, eczema usually appears on the face, cheeks, chin, forehead and scalp. For babies aged 6-12 months, it usually appears on the elbows and knees. Toddlers aged 2 and over are more likely to get it in their elbow and knee creases, wrists, ankles and hands. Sometimes it can also appear around their mouth and eyelids.

Eczema on face

Eczema can appear anywhere on the body but it can be most painful, uncomfortable and itchy when it appears on the face. Facial eczema can affect people of all ages but is more common in babies and children. The flare-ups can be minor or major, with some people experiencing mildly itchy skin and others experiencing severe itchiness, oozing and bleeding as a result of their eczema rash.

Scalp eczema

Eczema on the scalp is usually caused by seborrheic eczema as this type of eczema usually targets the oiliest parts of the body like the scalp, face and upper back, although other eczema types can also appear on the scalp. The condition is slightly more common in males and babies. When it affects babies, it’s also known as cradle cap.

Ear Eczema

Ear eczema can cause dryness, discolouration, bumps and itchiness around the ear area. Sometimes ear eczema can affect the inner ears, including your ear canals. In severe cases, the skin may crack or leak a thick yellow or white fluid.

Eczema around eyes

Some people with facial eczema get it around their eyes or eyelids – this is most common in adults. Eczema around the eyes makes the sufferer more susceptible to certain eye problems including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and inflames corneas. Sometimes, eye eczema may cause keratoconus, a condition that causes changes in the shape of the cornea.

What are the symptoms of Atopic Eczema?

Atopic Eczema affects different people differently and the severity of the condition varies from person to person. Some people may only have small patches of dry skin, while others may experience widespread inflammation across the body. The most common symptoms are:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Cracked and scaly skin
• Red and inflamed areas
• Raw, sensitive and swollen skin from scratching
• Small raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched

Join Carecircle for free and find help, hope, and control with your Atopic Eczema diagnosis. Our global network for health makes you part of a worldwide community where your voice matters. Together, we can work toward a better future.

What causes Atopic Eczema?

Atopic Eczema is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Effectively, the skin acts as a barrier to retain moisture and stop bacteria, irritants and allergens from passing through. If you have eczema, your skin is less able to provide this protection, resulting in dryness, soreness and itchiness.

Eczema does tend to run in families, with people more likely to develop it if one or both parents had it. However, the condition can become worsened by a number of environmental triggers including:

• Soaps, detergents, shampoos, bubble bath and washing up liquid
• Cold, dry and damp weather
• Dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds
• Food allergies to cows’ milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat and soya
• Hormonal changes
• Skin infections
• Certain materials including wool and synthetic fabrics
• Stressful situations

It is important to note that Atopic Eczema is not contagious and cannot be passed from direct contact.

How do you diagnose Atopic Eczema?

There are no laboratory or diagnostic tests for Atopic Eczema. Instead, a GP will examine your skin and review your symptoms and medical history to determine whether or not you have it.

If Atopic Eczema is affecting the quality of life (if it’s disrupting your sleep, for example), you should let your GP know.

What to do if you have Atopic Eczema?

If you have Atopic Eczema, there are ways you can relieve itching and redness and prevent yourself from extreme flare-ups. These include:

• Keeping your skin moisturised
• Stopping scratching
• Avoiding potential triggers – certain soaps or fabrics, for example
• Covering the affected areas with bandages to allow them to heal
• Making an appointment with your GP who will be able to recommend suitable treatments

If you would like information on Atopic Eczema, you should seek medical advice from your GP. You can also connect with others experiencing the same issues and provide and receive essential support on Atopic Eczema by signing up to Carecircle today.

Join Carecircle for free and find help, hope, and control with your Atopic Eczema diagnosis. Our global network for health makes you part of a worldwide community where your voice matters. Together, we can work toward a better future.

What’s the treatment for Atopic Eczema?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Atopic Eczema but there are many ways to treat and relieve its symptoms. Children may also grow out of Atopic Eczema as they get older. As possible treatments, your GP may recommend:

• Everyday moisturisers – to stop the skin from becoming dry
• Topical corticosteroids – to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups
• Topical creams – for eczema in sensitive sites
• Antihistamines – to help with itching
• Bandages or special body suits – to protect the skin and prevent scratching
• Self-care techniques – like reducing scratching, keeping your nails short and avoiding known triggers
• Anti-scratch mittens for babies – to stop them from scratching

For more information on Atopic Eczema treatments, you should seek medical advice from your GP.

Best eczema creams

There are many eczema creams available to help relieve dry skin, redness and itchiness. Some of the best eczema creams on the market include:

• Dermalex eczema – relieves and moisturises dry and itchy skin and prevents new flare-ups
• Eumovte – moisturises the skin over 24 hours to prevent itchiness and scratching
• Oilatum cream – soothes and hydrates skin with eczema to help relieve itching

Some of the best creams recommended for babies with eczema include Weleda Baby Eczema Treatment Coconut Oil Body Lotion, Aveeno Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion and Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser.

Atopic Eczema FAQs

It’s natural to have questions about Atopic Eczema. Here are the answers to some FAQs.

How to cure eczema permanently?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for eczema, however many babies and children do grow out of it over time.

There are also ways to relieve symptoms and prevent future flare-ups such as keeping your skin moisturised, stopping scratching and avoiding potential triggers including certain soaps and body lotions, wool and synthetic fabrics and known allergens like dust, pets and certain foods.

How to stop eczema itching immediately?

Scratching your eczema when it’s itching can be tempting but it can worsen the condition by breaking the skin and causing bleeding and infections. If you’re looking for fast relief from itching, you could try:

• Applying a cool compress to your skin
• Using a thick moisturiser or cooling gels
• Sinking into a warm bath for 15 minutes
• Taking antihistamines (please note that these can have side effects and are not recommended for babies)
• Keeping yourself busy to break the itch and scratch cycle

What does eczema look like?

Eczema ranges in severity and can look different from person to person. Usually, it appears as dry, itchy, scaly or thickened skin. On a white person’s skin, the area is usually red and flamed, while the condition can appear dark brown, purple or ash grey on brown or black skin.

Sometimes the affected area can also appear swollen with thick leathery patches and small, rough bumps that leak and crust over.

Is eczema contagious?

Eczema is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person through direct contact. If you were to develop eczema, it will be due to genetic or environmental factors.

Join Carecircle for free and find help, hope, and control with your Atopic Eczema diagnosis. Our global network for health makes you part of a worldwide community where your voice matters. Together, we can work toward a better future.

Atopic Eczema Resources

If you’re suffering from the effects of Atopic Eczema, you may find the following resources and links useful:

• Atopic Eczema – NHS
• National Eczema Society
• Eczema Outreach Support

Atopic Eczema is a long-term condition that makes the skin dry, cracked and itchy. It runs and families and most commonly affects babies and children, although many eventually grow out of it. Flare-ups can be triggered and worsened by certain environmental factors like allergies, cold and dry weather and certain soaps. And while there is no cure, there are ways to relieve symptoms including applying topical creams and avoiding potential triggers.

It’s never too late to join the conversation on Atopic Eczema. Sign up to Carecircle for free and find help, hope and control with your Atopic Ezema diagnosis. Our global network for health makes you part of a worldwide community where your voice matters. Together, we can work toward a better future.

Guide Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/
• https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/atopic-eczema/
• https://www.allergyuk.org/types-of-allergies/eczema/
• https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/children/
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/eczema-on-the-face-4158191
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21842-ear-eczema
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320791
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/causes/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
• https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eczema-atopic/diagnosis/diagnosis/
• https://lloydspharmacy.com/blogs/skin/eczema-cream
• https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/reviews/first-year-products/best-eczema-cream-for-babies/
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/ss/slideshow-eczema-itch-dont-scratch
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/ss/slideshow-eczema-overview