Overview
Eczema makes areas of skin dry, itchy, red or discoloured, and inflamed. It often starts in childhood and can come and go in flares. This is general educational information, not medical advice.
Symptoms
- dry, itchy skin
- red or discoloured inflamed patches
- cracked or weeping skin
- thickened skin from scratching
Causes
- a sensitive, easily-irritated skin barrier
- allergy and immune-related factors
- environmental triggers such as soaps or heat
Risk factors
- family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever
- dry skin
- contact with irritants or allergens
Prevention
- regular moisturising as advised
- avoiding known personal triggers
- gentle skincare and mild cleansers
Emergency warning signs
- spreading redness with fever
- rapidly worsening painful skin
- signs of a serious skin infection
Evaluation & tests
Educational note: clinicians assess eczema from the skin's appearance and history. This library does not diagnose.
Treatment education
Educational overview: care is individualized by clinicians and may include moisturisers and trigger management. This library does not prescribe.
Self-care
General education: keeping skin moisturised and avoiding personal triggers can help reduce flares when advised by a clinician.
When to seek care
Seek professional care for widespread, painful, or infected-looking skin, or eczema that disrupts daily life.