Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Our campaign: I Wish I Knew and World Atopic Eczema Day 2025

Much more than just dry skin and an itch

Eczema affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK, yet it is often dismissed as a minor skin issue, rather than recognised as a chronic condition that can deeply impact daily life.

For adults, managing eczema can be time-consuming and costly. Having itchy and cracked, painful skin can affect your sleep, concentration, mood, work, and relationships.

For parents and carers, caring for a child with eczema can add extra stress and worry. It often affects sleep for both the child and family, making everyday life more challenging. Older children may struggle to focus at school or may face negative reactions from other people to their visible skin condition.

Ahead of World Atopic Eczema Day on 14th September, we want to give a voice to the experiences of people living with eczema. As part of our #IWishIKnew campaign, we want to support our community to seek the support they need from healthcare professionals to manage their eczema. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, spread the word and join the conversation #IWishIKnew.

The journey to managing eczema starts with a diagnosis and the right support.

While there’s currently no cure for eczema, a diagnosis and the right care at the right time can make a big difference to managing eczema, reducing the risk of flares and infection.

If you, or your child, have symptoms of eczema, or if symptoms are affecting your mental wellbeing, do not delay in speaking to a healthcare professional. They can help you to find a skincare routine that works for you and regain control of this condition and your health.

To help you prepare for healthcare appointments, visit our Self-Help Hub for resources to help guide your conversations and get the right support and treatment.

Visit our self help hub

Our call for the introduction of Allergy Nurses and Dietitians at primary care

Research suggests that a staggering 60% of Britons are living with a skin disease. Yet, across the UK there are only about 40 adult allergists and slightly fewer paediatric allergists. Currently, the waiting time for a specialist consultation for allergies following a GP referral is six to 18 months on average, and statistics show just one allergy consultant per 250,000 adult patients. However, given regional health inequality, many people wait years to get specialist care for their condition, or otherwise must suffer in silence.

Allergy UK has long argued that specialist allergy services should be offered universally.  We are calling for the introduction of an allergy nurse and dietitian in every Integrated Care System to ensure those living with allergies can access specialist care, regardless of where they live. With a 161% increase in hospital admissions for allergic reaction over the last 20 years, there is no better time to ensure that patients with complex health needs have access to the specialised care they deserve.

Read more about our advocacy work here

Know your triggers

 Understanding what triggers your eczema is key to managing it. Triggers may include allergens like house dust mites or pet dander, irritants like detergents or fragrances, or being hot or stressed.  Often you will find that more than one trigger factor can cause a ‘flare’ of your eczema. Because triggers vary from person to person, spotting patterns early can make a big difference.

Some trigger factors may be easy to identify whilst others may not be so easy to work out. Try keeping a symptom diary to track what might be causing flare-ups. This can be a helpful tool when discussing your eczema with a healthcare professional.

Food allergens and eczema

In individuals with both eczema and food allergies, consuming trigger foods may lead to allergic reactions that manifest not only in typical allergy symptoms but also in eczema flare-ups. The immune system responds to the allergenic proteins in these foods, releasing chemicals that can contribute to skin inflammation and itching.

Some foods, such as eggs and cows’ milk, can trigger eczema symptoms, but you should not make significant changes to your diet without first speaking to a GP. It may not be healthy to cut these foods from your diet, especially in young children who need the calcium, calories, and protein from these foods. If a GP suspects a food allergy, you may be referred to a dietitian (a specialist in diet and nutrition). They can help to work out a way to avoid the food you’re allergic to while ensuring you still get all the nutrition you need. If you’re breastfeeding a baby with atopic eczema, get medical advice before making any changes to your regular diet.

Allergy UK’s Dietitian Service

If you need dietary support related to a food allergy and your eczema symptoms, contact our Helpline to request a referral to our in-house dietitian service. This free clinic offers a one-off consultation with a specialist allergy dietitian for adults and parents of children with suspected or diagnosed food allergies.

For parents and carers of children under 5 without a diagnosis, we also offer our paediatric dietitian service available. Delivered free by a dedicated team of specialist allergy dietitians, it provides families with personalised, evidence-based guidance. Call our Helpline for information on eligibility and referral.

Symptoms of eczema

The symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Itching which can lead to scratching, worsening the inflammation and potentially causing infections
• Red, swollen or inflamed skin
• Dry and sensitive skin, in some cases, the skin may become cracked and scaly
• In severe cases, eczema can lead to the formation of blisters that may ooze or weep.

Although eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children. People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups).

How to avoid causing damage to the skin from scratching

 Eczema is often itchy, and it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas of skin, but scratching usually damages the skin, which can itself cause more eczema to occur. The skin eventually thickens into leathery areas as a result of chronic scratching. Deep scratching also causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred.

Try to reduce scratching whenever possible. You could try gently rubbing your skin with your fingers instead. If your baby has atopic eczema, anti-scratch mittens may stop them scratching their skin. Keep your nails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching. Keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching.

Treatments for eczema

Eczema is a chronic condition, meaning that it can come and go over time. While there is no cure for eczema, various treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by the condition. These treatments may include moisturisers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and, in some cases, systemic medications. It’s important for individuals with eczema to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

• Emollients. Emollient lotions and creams are prescribed for treating atopic eczema and dry skin, and are, in their simplest form, mixtures of oil and water.
• Topical steroid creams. It is sometimes necessary to apply topical corticosteroids (e.g. hydrocortisone), as these reduce inflammation in the skin caused by eczema.
• Wet wraps. Sometimes, special pyjama-like garments (known as ‘wet wraps’) that are used for children may also help certain areas of your body that have not responded to the usual topical application of emollients and steroids.
• Calcineurin inhibitors. Calcineurin inhibitors are an alternative to steroid creams. Like steroid creams, they reduce the skin inflammation and can lessen itching.
• Oral antihistamines can help control itching, especially at night. Non-drowsy options are available, but some people may prefer taking them before bedtime due to the potential for drowsiness.
• Biologics are a newer class of medications that target specific components of the immune system. Biologics are often reserved for severe cases of eczema that do not respond to other treatments. More information about biologics can be found in our information factsheet or our informative video.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications, stress management and proper skincare practices can contribute to managing eczema symptoms.

It can be very difficult, and I wish that more attention could be paid to the mental health side of things. Physical ailments which make you self-conscious and inhibit your ability to exercise cause stress and the lack of exercise causes more stress and so on. – Stephen’s Story

Looking after your mental wellbeing

 Those who are affected by eczema know that it is more than a physical challenge; it’s a journey that deeply influences both your skin and mental health. However, living with eczema doesn’t mean compromising your mental health. It’s about finding balance and embracing a holistic approach to overall wellbeing.

Here are some tips to improve your mental health if you are affected by eczema:

1. Understanding your condition is the first step. Learn about eczema, its triggers, and various management strategies. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions and reduce anxiety.
2. Maintain open and honest communication with your healthcare providers. Discuss not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional impact of eczema. They can provide tailored advice and may refer you to mental health professionals if needed.
3. Develop a skincare routine that caters to your skin’s needs. Consistency can be reassuring and taking care of your skin can positively impact your self-esteem.
4. Eczema and stress often go hand in hand. Explore stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or mindfulness to help manage stress and anxiety.
5. If you find that eczema is significantly impacting your mental health, consider talking to a mental health professional. Therapy can provide a safe space to express your feelings and develop coping strategies.
6. Regular exercise has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress. Choose activities that you enjoy and that are gentle on your skin, such as swimming or walking.
7. Be kind to yourself. Eczema is a chronic condition, and there will be good and bad days. Treat yourself with the same care and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.