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Eczema is a common and treatable skin condition that can cause the skin to become inflamed, leading to dryness, cracks and itchiness. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, characterised by skin inflammation affecting the entire body. Atopic dermatitis typically results in patches of dry skin that may appear red and/or dark brown.

Additional types of eczema include:

• Contact dermatitis - a type of eczema caused by irritants and allergens such as environmental triggers
• Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx) - a more severe type of eczema that can cause a burning sensation on the affected skin and the appearance of rashes and blisters on the hands and feet
• Neurodermatitis (discoid eczema) - a type of eczema that affects a small patch of skin on a specific area of the body, causing itchiness and a scaly appearance
• Nummular eczema - a type of eczema that causes small lesions to appear all over the body, especially on the arms and legs
• Seborrheic dermatitis - the scientific term for eczema affecting the scalp, which can result in symptoms such as red, inflamed skin accompanied by persistent itchiness
• Stasis dermatitis - eczema characterised by skin discolouration on the legs due to poor blood circulation, leading to skin redness, swelling and/or crusting
• Varicose eczema - a long-term condition specifically affecting individuals with swollen and/or twisted veins (varicose veins) in the lower legs, which can disrupt blood circulation and result in skin inflammation leading to dry and itchy skin

For more information, please refer to our Ultimate Guide to Eczema.

Eczema symptoms can vary depending on the type of eczema experienced by the individual. Most types of eczema cause the skin to become cracked, inflamed and itchy during episodes known as ‘eczema flare-ups’ which typically occur two to three times per month.

During an eczema flare-up, individuals may experience:

• Dry patches of skin
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Inflammation
• Cracked skin

It is important to note that the severity and frequency of eczema symptoms can differ from person to person, depending on factors such as each individual's specific skin type. For example, individuals with naturally dry skin are more susceptible to experiencing eczema flare-ups, as the natural lack of moisture and lipids can compromise the skin's barrier and make it easier for irritants or allergens to trigger an eczema flare-up.

Additionally, eczema symptoms may affect different parts of the body depending on the specific eczema type. For instance, atopic eczema affects the entire body, while other forms of eczema typically affect specific areas, such as the hands, the backs of the knees, the inside of the elbows, the face or the scalp.

Recommended reading: Skin Types, Explained

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

• An overactive immune system
• Skin sensitivity
• Environmental triggers, such as cold weather
• Hormonal changes
• Elevated stress levels

It is important to note that the causes of specific types of eczema are still being researched and can vary from person to person. For example, atopic dermatitis is thought to be caused by hereditary factors such as an overactive immune response to environmental irritants resulting from the affected individual’s genetics. In contrast, contact dermatitis is caused by non-hereditary factors such as direct skin contact with allergens.

Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by various physical and environmental factors, which differ from person to person. Common eczema triggers include:

• Weather changes (e.g. cold or extreme heat)
• Certain fabrics (e.g. wool or synthetic materials)
• Hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during pregnancy or menstruation)
• Harsh chemicals in soaps or detergents
• Fragranced products
• Stress
• Sweating
• Food allergens (e.g. dairy, egg, gluten or nuts)
• Environmental allergens (e.g. pollen, dust, mould or pet dander)

Identifying personal triggers is essential in managing eczema, as each individual may respond differently to these factors. Avoiding known triggers, where possible, can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Recommended reading: Expert Answers To Common Questions About Eczema

Eczema treatments are formulated to help reduce the severity of symptoms. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of eczema, the intensity of symptoms and the area of the body affected:

• Hydrocortisone 1% Cream - a topical treatment for irritant or contact allergic dermatitis affecting any part of the body except the face, the anogenital area, or areas where the skin is broken. Hydrocortisone 1% Cream contains a 1% concentration of the corticosteroid ‘hydrocortisone’ which mimics the natural hormone cortisol. This reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins and histamines, which help to relieve redness, swelling and itching. Hydrocortisone 1% Cream also limits the immune response in the affected area by narrowing blood vessels, reducing immune cell activity and controlling fluid leakage.
• Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment - a topical treatment used to treat eczema. Unlike Hydrocortisone 1% Cream, which is water-based and lighter, Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is oil-based, making it thicker and ideal for treating very dry, cracked, or thickened skin. It forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, helping to retain moisture.
• Dermol 500 Lotion - an antimicrobial emollient that helps relieve dry and itchy skin caused by eczema across the body. Dermol 500 Lotion contains emollients that form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, trapping moisture and reducing water loss from the outer layer of the skin. This helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, which is often compromised due to conditions such as eczema. Dermol 500 Lotion can be used as both a soap substitute and a moisturiser.
• Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis Cream 0.05% - a topical cream containing the active ingredient 'clobetasone butyrate', which inhibits the release of inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins and histamines, providing short-term relief from symptoms such as redness, swelling and itching. Eumovate Cream can be applied to any part of the body except the face, groin, genital areas, or between the toes.
• Doublebase 500g - a topical gel that can treat dry or chapped skin caused by eczema. Doublebase 500g is not suitable for individuals who are allergic or hypersensitive to liquid paraffin or isopropyl myristate.
• E45 Itch Relief Cream - a topical cream containing urea, a natural moisturiser, and lauromacrogols, an active ingredient that can help soothe itching caused by eczema. E45 Itch Relief Cream can be applied to any part of the body affected by eczema.
• E45 Moisturising Cream - an eczema treatment that helps hydrate and soothe dry, chapped, or flaking skin. E45 Moisturising Cream has a thick, rich texture due to its higher concentration of lanolin, a light white paraffin that forms a thicker barrier on the skin. Individuals looking for a lighter moisturiser to soothe eczema symptoms can opt for E45 Moisturising Lotion instead, which is formulated with Medilan™, a hypoallergenic form of lanolin, making it lighter, more absorbable and easier to spread over larger areas of the body.
• E45 Eczema Repair - a triple-action eczema treatment consisting of humectants to draw moisture into the skin, occlusive agents to minimise water loss, and omega fatty acids to support skin integrity. E45 Eczema Repair is effective at keeping skin moisturised for 24 hours; it is dermatologically tested and perfume-free.
• E45 Emollient Bath Oil - a mineral oil that can be mixed into a warm bath to help treat dry and itchy skin caused by eczema on all parts of the body.
• Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser - a non-irritating moisturiser and cleanser recommended for sensitive or dry skin. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores and is also fragrance-free and soap-free. It can be used with or without water to remove light makeup.