The key feature of eczema is that it is itchy. This can be a minor distraction or a major feature that interferes with your life and prevent sleeping, working and concentration. In children it can prevent sleep which causes unhappiness at home. The condition can cause redness and thickening of the skin which might affect one’s appearance and confidence.

There is currently no known cure for eczema, though many articles in the media suggest otherwise. Treatment is focussed on the symptoms and minimising the triggers.

• Atopic eczema; common in children and related to other allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: an eczema caused by an allergic reaction to something coming into contact with the skin. This can be identified by means of a patch test.
• Irritant contact eczema: an eczema caused by a chemical irritating the skin (such as soap or disinfectants)
• Pompholyx/Dyshidrotic eczema: itchy tiny blisters occurring under the skin on hands and feet.
• Lichen simplex chronicus: a thickened itchy area caused by repeated rubbing and scratching
• Nodular prurigo: similar to lichen simplex, multiple small itchy areas of thickened inflamed skin
• Asteatotic eczema: dermatitis due to dry, cracked skin that occurs with age
• Drug-induced eczema: eczema that might resemble any of the above types, but that is caused by medications.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis: a common cause of dandruff but can also affect the face, underarms and chest.