Eczema can affect all ages and presents as dry, red patches on the skin which can be accompanied by bleeding (especially if the skin is being scratched) and can also become moist and weepy in an active flare up. Small water blisters may also develop on the hands and feet and the affected skin may become darker in colour. Eczema is most common in the creases of the joints at the knees and elbows but can affect any part of the skin, including the face.

 

​Factors such as dryness in skin, bacterial or viral infections, illness as well as environmental factors and stress can cause eczema flare ups.

 

There are many topical treatments to manage symptoms and flare-ups of eczema, however in severe cases oral medication may also be prescribed.

It is important to keep eczema-prone skin well-moisturised (which may involve applying moisturiser several times a day) helping to maintain the integrity of the barrier function of your skin.

Topical steroid creams may also be prescribed and these can vary in strength. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the skin becomes weepy or infected.

Babies and children 

Treating young skin with eczema presents its own challenges and should be approached differently, you can read about childhood eczema here.

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