Go back to Health A to Z

Atopic eczema

Check if it's atopic eczema

Atopic eczema can appear in different areas of the body, but it's common on the elbows, knees and hands. In babies and toddlers, it's also common on the face.

Atopic eczema can make your skin:

Symptoms can start at any age, but they usually start in babies and young children and tend to get better as they get older.

There are usually times where your symptoms get worse (called flare-ups) and times where they are better.

Information:

Other types of eczema

There are also other types of eczema, including contact dermatitis, discoid eczema, pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) and varicose eczema.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you or your child have symptoms of atopic eczema
  • treatments are not helping your atopic eczema

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You or your child have atopic eczema and:

  • it's blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has spots filled with pus
  • it's painful, swollen or feels warm
  • it suddenly gets worse or gets bigger
  • you have a high temperature or feel generally unwell

These can be signs that your eczema is infected or you have a more serious condition called eczema herpeticum. You may need treatment such as antibiotics.

Check symptoms on 111 online (for anyone aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).

Causes of atopic eczema

It's not always known what causes atopic eczema.

You're more likely to have it if:

Atopic eczema can be made worse by things like:

Atopic eczema is not contagious so you cannot catch or spread it.

Information:

Find out more

Things you can do to help with atopic eczema

There are some things you can do that can help with atopic eczema.

Do

  • avoid things that make your eczema worse such as soap, washing detergent, some fabrics or pets

  • apply moisturising treatments (emollients) to your skin as often as possible (at least 2 times a day) – continue to moisturise even if your eczema improves

  • wash with an emollient instead of soap

  • keep cool – being hot can make your eczema more itchy

  • keep nails short and put anti-scratch mittens on babies to help prevent damage to the skin from scratching

Don’t

  • do not scratch your eczema, as it can make it worse – if your eczema is itchy, try gently rubbing the affected area with your finger instead

  • do not share your emollients with anyone else

  • do not put your fingers into an emollient pot – use a spoon or pump dispenser instead

  • do not use aqueous cream as it can irritate the skin and make eczema worse

  • do not change your diet unless you are told to by a doctor (this includes if you are breastfeeding a baby with eczema)

  • do not smoke or go near naked flames if you use an emollient – emollients are not flammable on the skin, but when they get on fabrics such as dressings, clothing and bedding they can catch fire more easily

A pharmacist can help with mild atopic eczema

A pharmacist can give advice and recommend some treatments if you have small areas of eczema that are dry and slightly itchy.

If your eczema is more severe, it's best to see a GP.

Find a pharmacy

Treatment for atopic eczema

There's currently no cure for atopic eczema, although the symptoms tend to get better as you get older.

There are treatments that can help manage it and improve your symptoms.

The main treatments are:

If your eczema is more severe, there are other treatments such as special dressings or medicines.

A GP can prescribe some treatments, or you may be referred to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Living with atopic eczema can be difficult. If it affects your mental health, you may be referred to a mental health specialist.

Information:

Find out more

You can get more information and advice about atopic eczema from:

Page last reviewed: 6 September 2024
Next review due: 6 September 2027