What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition. It can be irritating and painful, especially for children. Fortunately, there are treatments for both children and adults that can relieve the symptoms. There are also things you can do to prevent eczema from flaring up.

Eczema is a condition that makes patches of your skin become dry, red and itchy. Scratching can make the skin bleed making the eczema worse. Sometimes, the skin can become thick and scaly.

It is very typical for children with eczema to grow out of it. However, some people will have eczema all their lives. There’s no cure, but there are lots of treatments that can help reduce the itchiness and inflammation. There are also things you can do at home to keep eczema under control.

There are several types of eczema, the most common being atopic eczema. If a condition is described as atopic, it means that it’s caused by an allergy.

Key points about eczema

Eczema is quite common in children, with about 16 in 100 children in the UK having it.
About 60 in 100 children who have eczema grow out of it or get milder symptoms as they get older.
Some people with eczema have mild symptoms that last a few days at a time, while other people may have more severe symptoms that last longer or never go away completely.
Eczema can be irritating and painful, but it shouldn’t prevent you or your child from taking part in normal activities.
There are good treatments that can help keep symptoms under control.

Find out more about how it can be prevented and treated.

More questions

What is fever?

Fever is often the first sign of an illness in children. When your child has a temperature it can be a worrying and stressful time.

What is Febrile Convulsion?

Febrile convulsions are caused by a rapid increase in the body temperature of young children.

When does a cut need stitches?

If a cut is too severe to treat at home then it is important to take your child to A&E or to your GP as stitches may be required. Go straight to the A&E if the cut is to an artery or if the bleeding will not stop.

When should I call a doctor for a wound?

The wound should heal itself in a few days. If the wound is painful, you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

What Is croup and what causes it?

Croup, which is usually the result of a viral infection, causes the larynx and trachea to swell, resulting in a deep bark-like cough.

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

Tooth decay in babies and younger children is commonly referred to as baby bottle tooth decay.

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis) is a rash that starts as scaling and redness on a baby’s scalp.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a very painful condition that will cause a child to have several symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, refusal to eat, ear pain, fever, chills, enlarged glands, and a headache.