Eczema: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Eczema is a common condition causing dry, itchy, inflamed skin, often managed well with regular moisturising and avoiding known triggers. See a pharmacist or GP if it's not improving, covers a large area, or shows signs of infection.
Overview
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes patches of skin that are dry, itchy, red or discoloured, and sometimes cracked or weepy. It's common in children, though it can develop or persist at any age, and tends to flare up and settle over time.
Common triggers include soaps and detergents, certain fabrics, heat, stress, and allergens like dust or pet fur — though triggers vary a lot from person to person.
What may help
- Moisturise (emollient) generously and often, even when skin looks clear
- Use a soap substitute instead of regular soap or bubble bath
- Keep fingernails short to limit damage from scratching
- Identify and avoid your personal triggers where possible (certain fabrics, heat, specific products)
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Eczema that isn't improving with regular moisturising
- Flare-ups that are frequent, widespread, or affecting sleep or daily life
- You think a steroid cream might be needed but aren't sure which strength or how to use it
- Eczema affecting the face or eyes and not settling
When it could be an emergency
- Signs of infection — increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever
- Widespread, weeping, blistered skin developing suddenly (can suggest eczema herpeticum, especially in children, which needs urgent same-day assessment)
- Severe eczema in a young baby that's affecting feeding or sleep
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Eczema" in the appCommon questions
Is eczema contagious?
No — eczema can't be passed to another person.
Can eczema be cured?
There's no cure, but it can usually be well controlled with regular moisturising, trigger avoidance, and, when needed, treatments a pharmacist or GP can advise on.
Do children usually grow out of eczema?
Many children see significant improvement or grow out of it by their teens, though this varies and some adults continue to have eczema.
What triggers eczema flare-ups?
Common triggers include soaps and detergents, stress, changes in weather, allergens such as dust mites or pet fur, and infections. Triggers vary from person to person.
How often should I use moisturisers (emollients)?
Regularly and generously, several times a day, even when the skin looks clear. This helps protect the skin and reduce flare-ups.
Official sources
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General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.