Information for the public
Atopic eczema
Atopic eczema (often called atopic dermatitis) is one of a group of related, inherited conditions that also includes asthma and hay fever. It can make the skin dry, itchy, red, broken and sore. It sometimes makes the skin darker or lighter for a while. People of all ages can get atopic eczema, but it usually starts in early childhood. It usually improves with age, but some people will have the condition into adulthood.
When you first see a healthcare professional, they should ask you questions about things like your child's previous treatments, diet and growth. Then, at each visit, your healthcare professional should categorise your child's atopic eczema as clear, mild, moderate or severe depending on things like the size of the areas affected, redness, and whether it's affecting you or your child's sleep. They should also look at each visit at how it's affecting you and your child on a day-to-day basis. They may use a questionnaire to help with this.
Many things, called 'trigger factors', can make atopic eczema worse. These include soaps or bubble baths, allergens (for example, pollen, pet fur and house dust mites) and certain foods. Your healthcare professional should talk to you about any factors that may be affecting your child's atopic eczema and should advise you not to take your child for high street allergy testing because there is no evidence that it's helpful.