Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Consistent moisturising beats every fancy cream for daily control.
Atopic dermatitis is chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin disease affecting 10-20% of children and many adults. The skin barrier is impaired and overreacts to triggers. Treatment layers barrier repair, inflammation control, and trigger avoidance.
Causes & risk factors
- Genetic barrier defect (filaggrin mutations)
- Immune dysregulation
- Environmental triggers (soap, sweat, allergens)
- Dry climate or indoor heating
Symptoms
- Itchy, dry, red patches
- Flexural distribution (elbows, knees, neck)
- Oozing and crusting in flares
- Sleep disruption from itch
- Thickened skin from chronic scratching
How it's diagnosed
- Clinical — pattern and history
Evidence-based treatment
- Fragrance-free moisturiser 2-3 times daily
- Topical corticosteroids for flares
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus) for face and folds
- Wet wraps for severe flares
- Dupilumab, JAK inhibitors for severe cases
- Avoid known triggers; short lukewarm showers
Who treats this?
Related symptoms
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) — FAQ
Is eczema curable?
No, but it's very controllable. Most children improve by adolescence; adult eczema tends to be chronic but responsive to modern treatment.
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This page is general information, not medical advice for any specific person. For diagnosis and treatment, book a consultation.