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Our expert answers your medical questions

steroid. Apply moisturisers and/or emollients liberally. Aim for the skin to feel greasy. Apply several times a day to reduce the amount of steroid needed. Use topical steroids, either creams or ointments, on the red areas and for flare-ups. For particularly sensitive areas you can get tacrolimus creams or ointments to use alongside steroid creams. Bandages can be used to help skin heal, and be wary of fabrics you wear to help avoid flareups. Antihistamines might help itching but is not a treatment for eczema.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is rare in the UK because of routine vaccinations. It’s highly contagious and more common in other parts of the world, so travel is the main reason to be sure you are immunised. It’s very serious and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection spread by coughing and sneezing that causes a thick grey-white coating at the back of the throat, along with a high temperature, sore throat and difficulty breathing. We recommend people travelling renew their vaccination after 10 years.

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