3 ways to treat atopic eczema

PREVENT: Atopic eczema is most common in children, with one in five affected, compared to one in eight adults. It’s characterised by dry, itchy, red skin that can become cracked. It may appear anywhere on the body but is often on the neck, cheeks, hands, elbows, and behind the knees. It’s a longterm condition, and flare-ups may be triggered by stress or by scented soap and washing powder. It is not known what causes atopic eczema – though ‘atopic’ means sensitivity to allergens, and sufferers often have other allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

TREAT: Patients are told to avoid scratching, but this is easier said than done. Emollient creams can help treat the associated dryness and may reduce itching. Eczema sufferers are advised to use a plain, unscented moisturiser regularly, and always straight after washing to trap in the moisture. Take warm rather than hot baths and avoid extremes of temperature. Topical steroids can help with itching, redness and swelling, although they should be used with caution and as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist. Eczema disappears or improves substantially by the age of 11 in half of cases. DON’T BOTHER: While some people think that their condition may be triggered by certain foods, experts caution against cutting out whole food groups, particularly in children. It is believed only a small number of eczema sufferers see an improvement in their symptoms by avoiding certain foods – and in fact cutting out foods might lower the immune system and actually make the problem worse.