Eczema

Key facts

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by intense itch, dryness, and red or darkened patches that can flare repeatedly over months or years.
• The hallmark is persistent itch, often worse at night, with skin that can crack, weep, or crust during active flares; common sites are the elbow and knee folds, neck, wrists, and ankles.
• Regular moisturising is the cornerstone of ongoing management; topical corticosteroids of varying strength reduce inflammation and itch during flares.
• When a secondary bacterial infection develops alongside the rash, a combination product containing fusidic acid can address both.

Recognising a flare

The hallmark is persistent itch, often worse at night. Affected skin may look red on lighter complexions or grey-brown on darker ones, and it tends to crack, weep, or crust during active flares. Common sites are the folds of the elbows and knees, the neck, wrists, and ankles. In infants, the cheeks and scalp are often involved. Triggers vary by person but frequently include sweat, certain fabrics, soap, dust mites, heat, and humidity.

Topical treatments

Moisturising the skin barrier frequently is the cornerstone of ongoing management. During flares, topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and itch. Milder steroids such as desonide and fluocinolone acetonide suit sensitive or facial skin, while moderately potent options like triamcinolone address thicker plaques on the body. Stronger agents including betamethasone and clobetasol are reserved for short courses on stubborn, thickened areas. When a secondary bacterial infection develops alongside the rash, a combination product containing fusidic acid can address both. Browse the full range in the skin care category.

When to get medical advice

See a doctor if the rash becomes weepy, crusted, or spreads rapidly, if sleep is consistently disrupted, or if the skin shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus. Children who fail to improve with standard care, or adults whose eczema covers large body areas, benefit from a structured review to rule out contact allergy or other diagnoses.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.