Eczema: The Complete Guide to Atopic Dermatitis in Adults and Children

Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common inflammatory skin condition in the world. It affects up to one in five children and up to one in ten adults in many countries, and its frequency has risen over recent decades, particularly in cities and in low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid change. Eczema is far more than dry skin. The itch can be relentless, sleep is often broken for the whole family, and the impact on mood, school, work and confidence can be profound.

Eczema cannot yet be cured, but it can be controlled. The most common reasons it stays out of control are not using enough moisturiser, fear of steroid creams leading to under-treatment, unrecognised infection, and chasing food allergies that are not the real cause. This complete guide explains what eczema is, why it happens, how to use treatments properly, what to do in a flare, when to seek urgent help, and the newer treatments available for severe eczema in adults and children.

What is atopic eczema?

Atopic eczema is a long-term condition in which the skin barrier does not work properly and the immune system in the skin is overactive. The result is dry, itchy, inflamed skin that comes and goes in flares.

The word “atopic” describes a tendency to develop allergic conditions. People with atopic eczema are more likely to have, or to develop, asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and food allergies. This sequence, often starting with eczema in infancy, is sometimes called the “atopic march”.

Eczema is not contagious. It is not caused by poor hygiene. It is not a sign of bad parenting.

Why does eczema happen?

Two main problems work together:

• A weak skin barrier: healthy skin has an outer layer that works like a brick wall, with skin cells as bricks and natural oils as mortar. In eczema, this wall is leaky. Many people with eczema have variations in a gene called filaggrin, which helps build the skin barrier. A leaky barrier lets water escape, making skin dry, and lets irritants, allergens and microbes get in.
• Immune overactivity: substances getting through the barrier trigger an exaggerated immune response, driven largely by inflammatory messengers called type 2 cytokines (including interleukin-4 and interleukin-13). This inflammation causes redness, swelling and intense itch, and further damages the barrier.

Scratching damages the skin further, increases inflammation and causes more itch. This is the “itch-scratch cycle”, and breaking it is central to treatment.

Genes play a big role: eczema runs in families. Environmental factors also matter, including climate, pollution, water hardness, early-life exposures and urban living.

Symptoms and where eczema appears

The main symptoms are:

• Itch, often intense and worse at night.
• Dry, rough skin.
• Red or inflamed patches on lighter skin; on brown and black skin, inflamed areas may look dark brown, purple or grey, and redness can be hard to see.
• Weeping, crusting or oozing in active flares.
• Thickened, leathery skin (lichenification) from long-term scratching.
• Small bumps, especially on darker skin, sometimes around hair follicles.
• Changes in skin colour after flares settle, either darker or lighter patches.

Where eczema appears changes with age:

• Babies: often the cheeks, forehead, scalp and outer surfaces of the arms and legs. The nappy area is usually spared.
• Children: the creases of the elbows and knees, wrists, ankles, neck and around the mouth.
• Adults: the creases, hands, face, eyelids and neck. Hand eczema is particularly common in adults and is often linked to work.

How eczema is diagnosed

Atopic eczema is diagnosed from its appearance and history. A healthcare provider will ask about itch, where the rash is, when it started, whether it comes and goes, and whether you or your family have asthma, hay fever or allergies. Tests are not usually needed. Allergy testing is only helpful in specific situations, which are explained below.

Your healthcare provider may assess how severe the eczema is, from mild (areas of dry skin and occasional itch) to moderate (areas of redness, frequent itch and some sleep disturbance) to severe (widespread areas, constant itch, bleeding, cracking and major sleep disturbance). Asking how much eczema affects sleep, school, work and mood is just as important as how it looks.

Common triggers

Triggers vary from person to person. Common ones include:

• Irritants: soaps, bubble baths, shower gels, detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos, and perfumes.
• Heat and sweating: overheating, especially at night, and hot weather.
• Cold, dry weather and central heating.
• Rough fabrics such as wool and some synthetics.
• Skin infections, especially Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex.
• Stress.
• Allergens such as house dust mites, pet dander and pollen, in some people.
• Hard water.
• Hormonal changes, such as periods or pregnancy.
• Saliva and food on the skin around the mouth in babies.
• Teething, vaccinations and minor illnesses can coincide with flares in children.

Emollients: the most important treatment

Emollients (moisturisers) are the foundation of eczema care, used every day, even when the skin looks clear. They repair the skin barrier, reduce dryness and itch, and reduce the number of flares.

Choosing an emollient

• Ointments are greasy and very moisturising, ideal for very dry skin and at night.
• Creams are lighter and absorb more easily, useful during the day.
• Lotions are thin and less effective for dry skin, but useful for hairy or weeping areas.
• Gels are a middle option some people prefer.

The best emollient is the one you or your child will actually use. Many people need two: a thicker one for night and a lighter one for day. Fragrance-free products are best.

How to use emollients properly

• Use lots. Adults with widespread eczema may need 500 grams or more a week; children around 250 grams a week. Many people use far less than this.
• Apply often, at least twice a day and ideally three or four times, and after every wash.
• Apply gently in the direction of hair growth, in smooth downward strokes. Do not rub vigorously.
• Use a clean spoon or pump to take emollient from tubs to avoid contamination.
• Use emollients as soap substitutes for washing.
• Keep supplies everywhere: at home, school, nursery and work.

Emollients that soak into fabric can make clothing, bedding and dressings flammable. Avoid naked flames and smoking, and wash fabrics regularly at high temperatures.

Washing and bathing

• Bathe or shower in lukewarm, not hot, water, for no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
• Use an emollient soap substitute instead of soap, shower gel or bubble bath.
• Pat the skin dry gently with a soft towel.
• Apply emollient and any prescribed treatment within a few minutes of bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp.
• Take care, as emollients make baths and shower floors slippery.

Some people find adding a small amount of diluted bleach to bath water helps reduce infections in severe eczema. This should only be done on the advice of a healthcare provider, following exact instructions.

Topical corticosteroids: using them without fear

Topical corticosteroids (steroid creams and ointments) are the main treatment for eczema flares. They reduce inflammation and itch quickly. Used correctly, they are safe and effective. Yet “steroid phobia” is extremely common among patients, parents and even some health workers, and it is one of the main reasons eczema stays out of control.

Facts about steroid creams

• Topical steroids are very different from anabolic steroids used for muscle building.
• Skin thinning is uncommon when the right strength is used for the right length of time in the right place.
• Under-treating eczema leads to more scratching, infection, sleep loss and longer overall use of treatments.
• Many people who believe their skin has been thinned by steroids actually have uncontrolled eczema.

How to use them

• Use the right strength: mild steroids (such as hydrocortisone 1 percent) for the face, eyelids and genitals, and in babies; moderate or potent steroids for the body and limbs in adults and children as advised. Very potent steroids are used only under specialist guidance.
• Use enough: the fingertip unit (a line squeezed from the tip of an adult finger to the first crease) covers an area about the size of two adult hands.
• Apply once or twice a day to inflamed areas until the flare has settled, usually for 7 to 14 days, then reduce.
• Do not stop too early: continue until the skin is smooth and no longer itchy or inflamed, then reduce gradually.
• Use proactive treatment for frequently flaring areas: once the flare has settled, apply the steroid twice a week to the usual trouble spots to prevent new flares. This approach has good evidence.
• Apply emollient and steroid at different times, ideally around 30 minutes apart.

Topical steroid withdrawal

Some people describe severe burning, redness and shedding of skin after stopping long-term use of potent topical steroids, particularly on the face and genitals. This has received a lot of attention online. Medical evidence on this condition is still developing. The risk appears linked to prolonged use of potent steroids without breaks, especially in sensitive areas. Using steroids correctly, as described above, and discussing concerns openly with a healthcare provider is the best approach.

Other topical treatments

• Topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream, reduce inflammation without causing skin thinning. They are especially useful for the face, eyelids and skin folds, and for long-term proactive use. They may cause a temporary burning or stinging feeling for the first few days.
• Crisaborole ointment, a PDE4 inhibitor, is approved in some countries for mild to moderate eczema.
• Topical JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib cream, are approved in some countries for mild to moderate eczema in adolescents and adults.

Wet wrapping

Wet wraps are a technique for severe flares, especially in children. After applying emollient (and sometimes a diluted steroid as directed), a layer of damp tubular bandages or garments is applied, followed by a dry layer. They cool the skin, reduce itch, increase absorption of treatments and protect against scratching. Wet wraps should be used only after training by a nurse or healthcare provider, and not over infected skin.

Itch and scratching

Strategies to break the itch-scratch cycle include:

• Keeping nails short and smooth.
• Wearing cotton gloves or mittens at night (for children, scratch mittens or sleepsuits with built-in mitts).
• Pressing, patting or pinching the skin instead of scratching.
• Applying cool emollient from the fridge.
• Distraction, particularly for children.
• Habit reversal techniques, which teach people to recognise the urge to scratch and replace it with another action.

Antihistamines do not treat eczema itself. Sedating antihistamines may help some people sleep during flares for short periods, but they are not recommended for long-term use and are not suitable for young children without advice.

Infection: recognising and treating it

Eczema skin is more prone to infection, and infection is a common reason for flares that do not respond to usual treatment.

Bacterial infection

Signs include eczema that is getting worse quickly, weeping, yellow crusts, pus-filled spots, pain, and feeling unwell or having a fever. It is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment may involve antiseptic washes, antibiotic creams for small areas, or antibiotic tablets for more widespread infection. Replace tubs of emollient that may have been contaminated during the infection.

Eczema herpeticum: an emergency

Eczema herpeticum is a serious infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (the cold sore virus) spreading in eczema skin. It is a medical emergency. Seek same-day urgent care if you notice:

• Rapidly worsening, painful eczema.
• Clusters of small blisters or punched-out sores, often in groups, that may weep or crust.
• Fever, feeling unwell or being lethargic.
• Sores near the eyes, which need urgent eye assessment.

Eczema herpeticum is treated with antiviral medicines. People with eczema should avoid close contact, such as kissing, with anyone who has an active cold sore.

Food allergy and eczema: separating myth from fact

Many parents believe food is causing their child’s eczema and cut out foods. In most cases, food is not the main cause, and unnecessary restriction can lead to poor growth, nutritional deficiencies and, paradoxically, a higher risk of developing true food allergy.

Key points:

• Food allergy is more common in babies with early-onset, severe eczema, but even then eczema is mainly a skin barrier problem.
• True food allergy usually causes rapid reactions within minutes to two hours of eating the food, such as hives, swelling of the lips or eyes, vomiting, or breathing difficulties.
• Food allergy testing should be guided by symptoms and done by experienced clinicians, because positive tests are common in children with eczema who can eat the food without problems.
• Do not cut out major foods such as milk, eggs or wheat without advice from a healthcare provider and dietitian.
• Current research suggests that introducing common allergenic foods such as peanut and egg into a baby’s diet early, around six months of age and not before four months, alongside continued breastfeeding where possible, may reduce the risk of developing food allergy. Babies with severe eczema may need assessment before introducing these foods. Follow the guidance used in your country.

Systemic treatments for severe eczema

For people with moderate to severe eczema that is not controlled with topical treatment, treatments that work throughout the body are available, usually through dermatology services.

• Phototherapy: narrowband UVB light therapy two to three times a week can help many adults and some children.
• Conventional immunosuppressants: ciclosporin (works quickly, used for limited periods), methotrexate, azathioprine and mycophenolate. These need regular blood monitoring.
• Biologic medicines: dupilumab, tralokinumab and lebrikizumab block key type 2 inflammatory messengers. They are given as injections every two to four weeks. They have transformed life for many people with severe eczema. A common side effect is conjunctivitis (eye inflammation). Dupilumab is approved for young children in many countries.
• JAK inhibitor tablets: abrocitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib work quickly to reduce itch and inflammation. They require monitoring and are used with caution in older people and those with risk factors for heart disease, blood clots or cancer.

Oral steroid tablets are generally avoided for eczema except for very short periods, because eczema often rebounds when they stop and long-term use carries serious side effects.

Eczema in babies and children

Most childhood eczema starts before the age of two. Many children improve as they grow older, though some continue to have eczema into adulthood or have a tendency to dry, sensitive skin. Tips for parents:

• Make emollients part of daily routines, such as after bath time, at nappy changes and before school.
• Dress children in soft cotton layers, and avoid overheating at night.
• Choose fragrance-free laundry products and avoid fabric softener.
• Agree a written eczema care plan with your child’s nurse or healthcare provider, explaining which treatment to use where and when.
• Share the plan with nursery or school.
• Involve older children in their own care, giving them choice over products and routines.
• Look after your own wellbeing: caring for a child with severe eczema is exhausting.

Childhood vaccinations should be given as normal to children with eczema, including those with egg allergy in most cases. Check with your nurse if you have concerns.

Eczema in adults

Adults may have eczema that has continued from childhood, returned after a gap, or begun for the first time in adulthood. Adult eczema often affects the hands, face, eyelids and neck, and is frequently linked to work. Adults with new eczema should be assessed for other conditions such as contact dermatitis (an allergic or irritant reaction to something touching the skin), which may need patch testing to identify the cause.

Hand eczema and work

Hand eczema is common among healthcare workers, hairdressers, cleaners, caterers, mechanics and construction workers, because of frequent hand washing, wet work, gloves and chemicals. Prevention includes using alcohol hand rubs instead of soap and water when hands are not visibly dirty, applying emollients frequently, wearing cotton liners under protective gloves, removing rings when washing, and drying hands thoroughly. Our article on hand eczema in nurses has practical tips.

Eczema, sleep and mental health

Night-time itch disrupts sleep for people with eczema and often for their families. Poor sleep affects concentration, mood, school performance and work. Adults with eczema have higher rates of anxiety and depression, and children may have behavioural difficulties linked to sleep loss and itch. Bullying and self-consciousness are common.

Getting eczema under control is the most effective way to improve sleep. Keep bedrooms cool, use breathable bedding, apply emollient before bed, and consider gloves or mittens at night. Talk to your healthcare provider if eczema is affecting mood or relationships. Psychological support and patient organisations can help.

Eczema on darker skin

On brown and black skin, eczema may look darker, purple, grey or ashen rather than red, and is more likely to appear as small bumps or thickened patches. Redness is harder to see, so severity can be underestimated. Changes in skin colour after flares, both darkening and lightening, are common and can be very distressing. These usually improve over months once eczema is controlled. Early, effective treatment reduces lasting colour changes.

Common myths about eczema

• “Eczema is caused by food allergy.” Most eczema is not caused by food. Unnecessary food restriction can cause harm.
• “Steroid creams are dangerous.” Used correctly, they are safe and effective. Undertreatment causes more harm.
• “Eczema is contagious.” It is not.
• “Children will just grow out of it, so there’s no need to treat.” Many improve, but untreated eczema affects sleep, development and wellbeing now.
• “Natural remedies are always safer.” Some herbal creams contain hidden steroids or allergens, and essential oils can irritate eczema skin.

Other types of eczema

Atopic eczema is the most common type, but several other forms of eczema exist. Knowing which type you have matters, because treatment can differ:

• Contact dermatitis: caused by something touching the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis results from repeated exposure to water, soaps, detergents and chemicals. Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed allergic reaction to substances such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, rubber chemicals and some ingredients in creams.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis: greasy, yellowish scaling on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, behind the ears and on the chest. In babies it appears as “cradle cap”. It is linked to a yeast that normally lives on the skin and is treated with antifungal shampoos and creams.
• Discoid (nummular) eczema: coin-shaped, very itchy patches, often on the legs, which can become infected.
• Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema): intensely itchy tiny blisters on the palms, fingers and soles, often triggered by heat, sweating and stress.
• Varicose (gravitational) eczema: affects the lower legs of people with poor circulation in the veins, usually older adults. It needs treatment of the underlying vein problem, compression where appropriate, and careful skin care to prevent leg ulcers.
• Asteatotic eczema: dry, cracked skin with a “crazy paving” pattern, often on the shins of older adults in cold, dry weather.

Patch testing for contact allergy

If eczema does not follow the usual pattern, starts in adulthood, affects mainly the hands, face or eyelids, or worsens despite treatment, allergic contact dermatitis may be part of the problem. Patch testing is the test used to find the cause. Small amounts of common allergens are applied to the back under special patches, left for about two days, and the skin is checked over the following days. Patch testing is different from the skin prick and blood tests used for food allergy and hay fever. Common culprits include nickel in jewellery and belt buckles, fragrances in toiletries, preservatives in creams and wipes, hair dye chemicals, and rubber accelerators in gloves. Once the cause is identified, avoiding it can lead to dramatic improvement.

Your home environment

People often go to great lengths to change their homes for eczema. The evidence supports a balanced approach:

• Temperature and humidity: keep bedrooms cool and avoid very dry air. A comfortable, steady temperature helps reduce itch.
• House dust mites: extensive measures such as special mattress covers have shown limited benefit for most people with eczema in studies. Simple steps, such as washing bedding regularly at high temperatures and reducing clutter, are reasonable.
• Pets: if a pet clearly worsens eczema, reducing contact may help, but there is no need to remove pets as a general rule.
• Laundry: use non-biological, fragrance-free detergents, rinse thoroughly and avoid fabric softeners.
• Smoke: keep homes and cars smoke-free, as tobacco smoke irritates skin and airways.

A step-by-step flare plan

Having a clear plan helps you act early when eczema flares, which shortens the flare and reduces the total amount of treatment needed. A typical plan, agreed with your healthcare provider, might be:

1. At the first sign of a flare (more itch, redness or roughness): increase emollient use and start the prescribed steroid or calcineurin inhibitor on the affected areas once or twice daily.
2. Continue daily treatment until the skin is completely smooth and the itch has gone, usually within one to two weeks.
3. Step down to twice-weekly proactive treatment on areas that tend to flare.
4. Check for infection if the flare does not improve within a few days, or if there is weeping, crusting, pain or fever.
5. Seek urgent same-day care for signs of eczema herpeticum: clusters of painful blisters or punched-out sores, especially with fever or near the eyes.
6. Book a review if you are having more than one or two flares a month, or if your treatments are running out quickly.

Eczema at school

School life can be hard for children with eczema. They may be tired from broken sleep, distracted by itch, self-conscious about their skin, and unable to take part fully in activities such as swimming, sport or art. A short school plan can help:

• Allow the child to keep emollient at school and apply it as needed, including before and after sport.
• Let them sit away from radiators and direct sun, and wear soft cotton uniform items where possible.
• Provide gentle soap substitutes for hand washing and protect hands during messy activities such as painting and clay work.
• Be alert to teasing and bullying.
• Understand that tiredness and poor concentration may be linked to sleep loss.

Eczema in teenagers

Adolescence brings new challenges. Teenagers may be less willing to apply creams, especially greasy ones, may feel intensely self-conscious about visible eczema, and may begin using cosmetics, hair products and fragrances that irritate their skin. Shaving, sport and sweating can trigger flares, and exam stress often worsens eczema. Involving teenagers in choosing products they like, using lighter emollients during the day, simplifying routines, and discussing the emotional impact openly can improve adherence. Teenagers should be encouraged to speak to healthcare providers themselves, as they move towards managing their own condition.

Eczema in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Eczema may improve or worsen during pregnancy. Emollients and topical steroids of appropriate strength are generally considered safe in pregnancy. Some systemic treatments, such as methotrexate and some JAK inhibitors, must not be used in pregnancy, so discuss plans with your healthcare team before conceiving. During breastfeeding, nipple eczema can occur. Wash off any treatment from the nipple area before feeding, and seek help early if feeding becomes painful.

Eczema and other allergic conditions

Children with eczema, especially early and severe eczema, are more likely to develop food allergy, asthma and hay fever. Good control of eczema may reduce the risk of food allergy by limiting sensitisation through broken skin, an area of active research. If your child with eczema develops wheezing, night-time cough, sneezing or itchy eyes, mention this to a healthcare provider, as these conditions can be treated alongside eczema. Adults with eczema who develop asthma should have both conditions managed together.

Eczema around the world

Eczema is found in every region, but its patterns differ. Studies show eczema has become more common in many low- and middle-income countries as urbanisation increases. Hot, humid climates can trigger sweat-related flares, while cold, dry climates and indoor heating dry the skin. Access to emollients is a major challenge in many places, because large quantities are needed and cost can be high. Simple, inexpensive emollients such as plain white soft paraffin or emulsifying ointments are often effective and are worth asking about. Be cautious with unregulated skin-lightening and “herbal” creams, some of which contain potent steroids or mercury that can damage the skin.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider

• How severe is my (or my child’s) eczema, and what is the goal of treatment?
• How much emollient should I be using each week, and which type?
• Which steroid or other treatment should I use on the face, body and skin folds, and for how long?
• Should I use proactive twice-weekly treatment once the flare settles?
• How will I recognise infection, and what should I do?
• Is food allergy likely, and is testing needed?
• Is patch testing appropriate?
• When should I be referred to a dermatology or eczema specialist service?

Clothing, sleep and everyday comfort

Small changes to daily routines can reduce itch and flares considerably. Choose soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton or silk-like therapeutic garments next to the skin, and avoid wool, rough seams and tight clothing. Remove labels that rub. Wash new clothes before wearing them. At night, keep the bedroom cool, use light layers rather than heavy blankets, and dress children in cotton sleepsuits that cover the arms and legs to reduce scratching. Apply emollient about 30 minutes before bed so it has time to absorb. If night-time scratching is severe, cotton gloves or mittens and keeping nails very short help limit damage.

During hot weather or exercise, sweat can trigger itch. Wear loose clothing, rinse sweat off with lukewarm water soon after activity, and reapply emollient. In cold, windy weather, protect exposed skin with a thick emollient and cover hands with gloves.

Caring for the carers

Parents and carers of children with moderate to severe eczema report levels of sleep loss and stress similar to those caring for children with other serious long-term conditions. Applying creams several times a day to a resistant toddler, washing bedding, and attending appointments takes time and energy. Many carers feel guilty, judged, or overwhelmed by conflicting advice. It is important to ask for help: eczema nurse specialists, health visitors, community nurses and patient organisations can provide practical training, emotional support and a consistent plan. Sharing the routine between family members, building treatment into play or bedtime stories, and celebrating small improvements all help. Your own health and rest matter too.

Looking ahead

Research into eczema is moving quickly. New treatments target specific immune pathways, and scientists are studying how the skin microbiome, the skin barrier and early-life exposures influence who develops eczema. Studies are also exploring whether daily emollient use from birth can prevent eczema in high-risk babies, with mixed results so far. For people living with eczema today, the message is clear: consistent emollient use, confident and correct use of anti-inflammatory treatments, early action on flares and infections, and access to specialist care when needed can bring eczema under control for the great majority.

A note for nurses supporting families

Nurses are often the professionals families see most, and eczema education is one of the most effective interventions available. Studies of nurse-led eczema education, in which nurses demonstrate how much emollient to use, how to apply treatments and how to manage flares, have shown improvements in eczema severity and quality of life. Practical demonstrations, written plans, follow-up calls and addressing steroid fears with clear, respectful explanation can transform outcomes for children and adults alike.

Frequently asked questions

Can eczema be cured?

There is no cure, but eczema can be controlled effectively, and many children improve significantly as they get older.

How much emollient should I use?

More than most people think: often 250 grams a week for a child and 500 grams a week for an adult with widespread eczema.

Can I use steroid creams on my baby?

Yes, mild steroid creams are commonly used for babies under the guidance of a healthcare provider, for short courses.

Should I stop dairy for my child’s eczema?

Not without advice. Most eczema is not caused by dairy. A healthcare provider and dietitian can assess whether food allergy is likely.

Is swimming good or bad for eczema?

Many children with eczema can swim. Apply a thick emollient before swimming, rinse off chlorine afterwards, and reapply emollient.

What is the difference between eczema and dermatitis?

The terms are often used interchangeably. “Atopic dermatitis” and “atopic eczema” mean the same condition.

But what if nothing seems to control my eczema?

When eczema remains severe despite treatment, the usual reasons are not using enough emollient, using steroid creams too weakly or too briefly, untreated infection, contact allergy to an ingredient in a cream, or the need for more powerful treatment. Ask for a review with an eczema-specialist nurse or dermatology service. Bring all your products with you, photos of your skin during flares, and a record of what you have used and how much. Severe eczema is now treatable with phototherapy, systemic medicines and biologics, and you or your child deserve a plan that works.

Related: Eczema in babies and children · Hand eczema in nurses · Psoriasis: the complete guide

Sources: International Eczema Council, World Allergy Organization, International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) atopic eczema in under-12s guideline, American Academy of Dermatology guidelines, European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis, Cochrane reviews on eczema treatments, LEAP study on early peanut introduction.