Eczema and dermatitis

There are many types of eczema, each with different causes and treatments. One important thing to know is that eczema is not contagious.

The two most common types of eczema are atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Other types of eczema include dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common and chronic form of eczema. It can affect any area of the body, but most commonly affects the face, hands, inside the elbows and behind the knees.

It’s very common in people who also have asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It’s thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and immune system factors, and can be triggered by allergens and irritants like:

• dust mites
• pet dander
• wool
• certain foods
• detergents
• soaps
• solvents

Atopic eczema can be made worse by things like heat or changes in temperature, skin infections, stress and hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, also called allergic contact dermatitis, is brought on through frequent or prolonged contact with irritants and allergens, such as:

• soaps
• detergents
• strong cleaning agents
• nickel
• hair dye
• rubber
• perfumes
• poison ivy

Contact dermatitis can affect anyone, but it’s more common in those who are exposed to allergens or irritants in their workplace. 

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of eczema. In most cases, our specialist will make a diagnosis by taking your medical history and performing a physical examination of your skin.

The symptoms and appearance of eczema can be similar to other conditions. If there is any doubt, your consultant may want to confirm your diagnosis by running some tests, which may include:

• a blood test
• a skin biopsy
• skin prick allergy testing

Your dermatologist may choose to refer you to an allergist for some of these tests. The results of these will also help your consultant identify the root cause of the condition, which will allow them to provide you with the most effective treatment possible.

How best to avoid eczema flare-ups depends on the cause. However, there are some things you can do at home that may help you reduce or soothe your symptoms, such as:

• avoiding any irritant or allergen triggers, if known
• wearing gloves to protect your hands when handling chemicals, including washing up 
• moisturising your skin at least once a day with gentle lotions, creams or ointments 
• bathing using fragrance- and dye-free cleansers and soaps, formulated for sensitive skin
• bathing in lukewarm, not hot, water
• avoiding scrubbing the skin when washing and gently patting your skin dry 
• washing your clothes using detergents formulated for sensitive skin
• keeping your nails short and clean to prevent scratching and skin damage, to reduce the risk of infection
• keeping your home cool, especially at night, to avoid overheating, which can dry your skin
• drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated
• wearing loose cotton or natural fibre clothes to reduce skin irritation
• managing your stress levels 

The most common complication of eczema is skin infection. The risk of skin infection increases vastly when the skin is broken or cracked through scratching or dryness. 

Signs and symptoms of skin infection are:

• a yellowish discharge weeping from your skin 
• having a temperature and chills 
• painful, swollen skin 

If eczema is severe, it can cause distress, which may lead to anxiety and depression in some people. If the condition affects visible areas of your body, such as your face, it can also impact your body image and confidence. 

No matter the severity of your eczema, we recommend seeing one of our specialist dermatologists, who can provide advice and treatment to help improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of these complications.

The most appropriate and effective treatment for eczema varies from person to person. Your Welbeck dermatologist will recommend the best treatment based on your symptoms, the cause of your eczema and other individual health factors.

Treatments you may be offered include:

• topical corticosteroids (steroid creams, lotions or gels that are applied to the skin)
• oral corticosteroids
• antihistamines
• phototherapy
• systematic medication (in very severe cases)

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.

What does eczema look like?

Each type of eczema can present differently and can also vary in appearance depending on the individual. However, it often presents as a red, itchy rash that can be dry, scaly, or thickened. In paler skin tones, eczema can be red or pink, while it can be purple, brown, or grey on darker skin tones.

Can eczema be permanently cured?

Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for eczema. Treatments and therapies focus on managing and reducing symptoms as well as avoiding or minimising triggers.

Can stress cause eczema?

While stress isn’t a direct cause of eczema, it’s a known trigger for flare-ups and can make existing symptoms worse.

When should I see a dermatologist for my eczema?

We recommend making an appointment to see one of our dermatologists if:

• you have eczema symptoms, but haven’t had a diagnosis
• your symptoms are getting worse
• you don’t know what’s causing your eczema
• your symptoms are not responding to treatment or are getting worse
• you have signs of a skin infection (yellow discharge, fever and chills, painful, swollen skin)