Eczema and Dermatitis
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes dry, inflamed and irritated patches of skin. It can affect people of all ages and often follows a pattern of flare-ups and remission.
Eczema is not a single condition, but a group of related skin disorders that include atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. These conditions vary in cause and presentation but share similar symptoms such as dryness, redness and itching.
At The London Skin and Hair Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists diagnose and treat eczema and dermatitis using personalised treatment plans based on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Patients seeking eczema treatment in London can access specialist dermatology care focused on controlling symptoms, reducing flare-ups and improving long-term skin health.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema
Eczema can be passed down hereditarily, but there are also environmental factors
Eczema is common in those who suffer from allergies, and so it often accompanies other conditions such as hay fever
Treatment may involve changes to bathing, removing irritants, topical steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines
What causes Eczema and Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and often has a genetic component. Many patients have a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever.
Eczema can be influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors. Common triggers include:
- dust and pollen
- irritants such as soaps, detergents and fragrances
- stress and hormonal changes
- temperature changes or sweating
Atopic eczema is most common in children but can persist into adulthood or develop later in life.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen, such as chemicals, latex or certain skincare products.
What are the symptoms of Eczema and Dermatitis?
Eczema and dermatitis symptoms typically involve patches of dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Common symptoms include:
- dry, scaly or flaky skin
- redness and inflammation
- itching, which may be intense
- cracking or thickening of the skin
In more severe cases, the skin may blister, ooze or bleed, particularly if the area becomes infected or repeatedly irritated.
Symptoms can vary between individuals and may fluctuate over time, with periods of worsening followed by improvement.
Images of Eczema and Dermatitis
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How is Eczema and Dermatitis diagnosed?
A dermatologist diagnoses eczema through clinical examination and by taking a detailed medical history.
This helps identify the type of eczema and any potential triggers or contributing factors.
In some cases, further investigations such as patch testing or a skin biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or exclude other skin conditions.
What kind of Eczema and Dermatitis treatment is available?
Effective eczema treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring the skin barrier and identifying triggers to prevent flare-ups.
Treatment options may include:
- topical corticosteroids to control inflammation
- emollients and moisturisers to repair and protect the skin barrier
- antihistamines to help relieve itching
- calcineurin inhibitors as steroid-sparing treatments
For more severe or persistent cases, treatment may also include:
- oral medications to control inflammation
- antibiotics if infection is present
- phototherapy (light therapy) to reduce inflammation
A dermatologist will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on the type and severity of eczema, as well as individual lifestyle factors.
Managing Eczema and Dermatitis Day-to-Day
In addition to medical treatment, daily skincare and trigger avoidance play an important role in managing eczema.
Helpful measures include:
- regular use of moisturisers, especially after bathing
- avoiding known irritants such as fragranced products
- using gentle, skin-friendly cleansers
- keeping the skin hydrated and protected
Identifying and avoiding triggers is key to reducing flare-ups and maintaining long-term control of the condition.