Eczema is one of the commonest skin conditions seen by a Dermatologist. It can also be known as dermatitis.  

It causes itching, redness, scaling, cracking and bleeding of the skin. It is most commonly seen in children but can also be seen in adults. There are several types of eczema including atopic eczema, discoid eczema, contact irritant eczema, irrritant eczema and varicose eczema.  

• Atopic eczema affects one in five children and be related to other conditions such as eczema, hayfever and food allergies. It can lead to problems with sleeping, affecting growth and causing tiredness and irritability,  affecting not just the child but the whole family. It causes a red, itchy and sometimes wheepy rash on the face in babies, commonly affects the elbows and knees in children but can be all over. It is a chronic condition and sometimes can flare badly especially if it has become infected. Atopic eczema ususally improves with age and most children grow out of it, but a small number can continue into adult life or it can return in teenage years. 
  
• Discoid eczema is seen in adults and children and causes round coin shaped red, very itchy patches which can crust and weep.
  
• Contact allergic eczema: s caused by an allergic reaction to a chemical which is coming into contact with the skin. Common causes include nickel in jewellery, perfumes in soaps, candles, diffusers and room sprays. Preservatives in make up, cosmetic creams and topical medications including ear and eye drops. Rubber, leather, acrylic nails,  paints and cements.Plant-based ingredients in natural or organic products.  People can become allergic to products that they have been using for years. If this type of eczema is suspected then you may need to have allergy testing called patch testing which may identify the cause so you can avoid it in the future.
  
• Irritant eczema frequently affects the hands and is frequently seen in health workers, hairdressers and people who frequently get their hands wet.
  
• Varicose eczema occurs on the lower legs in older adults and causes redness, itching and changes in the skin colour. It is due to poor circulation and leakiness of the valves in the lower legs. 

The exact cause of eczema is unknown but lots of research has been carried out in this area and eczema is likely to be due to a combination of factors including genetics, our immune system and the enviroment.

There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and these may include:

• Emollients (moisturisers) which restore the skin barrier and reduce the penetration of irritants and allergens from the enviroment which can cause a flare of eczema.
  
• Topical steroids: applied directly to the eczema patches on the skin and which are safe when applied correctly. 
  
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors: are non-steroid anti-imflammatory creams. 
  
• Oral and injection medications: These medications are used in severe eczema and are medications that control the immune cells that drive the eczema. 
  
• Phototherapy: This treatment uses ultraviolet light to help reduce inflammation and itching.

If you have eczema, it is important to see a dermatologist to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. A dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Dr Goldstraw offers private consultations for eczema, without long waiting lists and a wide range of bespoke treatments tailored to each patient. There is no need to get a referral from your GP and you can contact Dr Goldstraw's PA direct.

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