Types of eczema and their symptoms
Atopic eczema
Dry, itchy, cracked skin, often in skin creases. Inflammation may look red, brown, purple or grey.
Contact dermatitis
A reaction to irritants or allergens such as soaps, detergents, fragrance or nickel. Often affects the hands.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Flaky, sometimes greasy patches on the scalp, eyebrows, around the nose or ears.
Discoid eczema
Round, coin-shaped patches that may ooze, crust or become dry.
What causes eczema?
Atopic eczema comes from a mix of genes and environment. It often runs in families with eczema, asthma or hay fever, and many people have a weaker skin barrier that loses moisture and lets irritants in. Common triggers include soaps and detergents, heat and sweating, dry cold weather, wool and rough fabrics, dust mites, pets, pollen, skin infections, stress and hormonal changes — sometimes there is no obvious cause. Eczema is not contagious, and don't cut foods out of your diet unless a doctor advises it.
Management and treatment
Everyday moisturising protects the skin. Prescription treatment helps settle flare-ups; your doctor chooses what suits you.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff has its own treatment guide.
Everyday skin care
- Use emollients often and generously, even when your skin is clear — at least twice a day — and use a soap substitute instead of regular soap or shower gel.
- Shower or bathe briefly in lukewarm water, then apply your emollient straight afterwards while the skin is still damp.
- Choose ointments for very dry skin or lighter creams for daytime. Avoid your known triggers, and wear soft cotton clothing rather than wool or rough fabrics.
Prescription treatment for flare-ups
Prescription treatment options
Steroid creams and ointments
Hydrocortisone, clobetasone, betamethasone or clobetasol may be chosen according to severity and body area. Use the lowest strength that works, for the agreed duration.
Steroid-free options
Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus may suit recurring eczema, including the face and eyelids. Protect treated skin from the sun and avoid use on infected skin.
Infected eczema
Weeping, crusting or pus needs assessment. Antibiotic cream or tablets may be prescribed when needed; not every flare needs antibiotics.
Seborrhoeic and discoid eczema
Ketoconazole shampoo or cream may help seborrhoeic dermatitis. Discoid eczema often needs regular emollients and a suitable steroid.
Itching and sleep
A short course of a sedating antihistamine may help during a bad flare. Avoid alcohol and do not drive if drowsy.
Using steroid treatment safely
- Follow the strength, body area and duration in your plan. Stronger steroids are not for the face, eyelids or skin folds unless specifically advised.
- One fingertip unit covers roughly two adult hands. Leave 20–30 minutes between steroid and emollient; using too little can prolong a flare.
- Long-term strong steroid use can thin the skin. Tell your doctor about pregnancy, breastfeeding and previous steroid use.
Stopping steroids and withdrawal
Most people stop without problems. Rarely, prolonged daily use of moderate or strong steroids can lead to burning, spreading redness or darker skin after stopping. Severe withdrawal reactions are very infrequent. If skin worsens within 2 weeks of stopping, do not restart without advice unless your doctor has already given you a plan.
Your online eczema assessment
- 1
Tell us about your skin
Share symptoms, triggers, previous treatments, medicines and allergies.
- 2
Upload clear photos
Show affected areas in good light, with a wider view and a close-up.
- 3
Doctor reviews your case
Technology helps organise your answers, but every assessment and prescription decision is made by a doctor, who may message you if they need more information.
- 4
Get your personalised plan
A written flare plan and a personalised prescription if treatment is clinically appropriate.
Complete care. One simple price.
£24.99
Includes clinician review, live doctor chat & prescription
One payment. No subscription. Any prescription depends on clinical suitability.
Start your consultationYour flare plan and follow-up
- Know which treatment to use, where, how much and when to step down or stop.
- Know your triggers — what to avoid or change at home and at work.
- Contact your doctor if your skin is not improving, flares last longer than usual or become more frequent. Repeat prescriptions always need review.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get eczema treatment online in the UK and EU?
Yes. Share your symptoms and photos for a doctor to review. If online treatment is suitable, you receive a personalised flare plan and, where appropriate, a prescription.
Are steroid creams safe for eczema?
When used correctly, they help control flares. Your doctor chooses the lowest strength that works for each area and sets a duration. Using too little or stopping too soon can prolong a flare.
How much steroid cream should I use?
One fingertip unit covers about two adult hands. Apply as your plan says and leave 20–30 minutes between your steroid and emollient.
Can eczema on my face or eyelids be treated?
A doctor may suggest a mild steroid or steroid-free tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. Do not use stronger steroids here unless advised. Eye pain, redness or vision changes need urgent same-day advice.
How do I know if my eczema is infected?
Weeping, crusting or pus may suggest infection. Fever, feeling unwell or painful clusters of blisters need urgent same-day assessment through NHS 111.
Can eczema be cured?
There is no cure, but most people keep it well controlled with daily emollients and the right treatment for flare-ups. Many children also improve as they get older.
What commonly triggers a flare-up?
Soaps and detergents, heat and sweating, cold dry weather, rough fabrics, skin infections, stress and, for some people, dust mites, pets or pollen. Avoiding your triggers helps, but flares can still happen without an obvious cause.
Will my GP be told about my consultation?
With your consent, we can share a consultation summary and any prescription with your NHS GP to help keep your medical record complete.
Related conditions
Get urgent help if…
Call 999 or go to A&E
Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing. Also seek emergency help if inflamed skin affects most of your body and you feel shivery or unwell.
Call NHS 111 or seek same-day urgent care
A painful, rapidly spreading rash with clusters of blisters or punched-out sores; infection with fever or feeling unwell; or eye pain, redness or vision changes. These may need urgent treatment. If pregnant with suspected herpes infection, seek urgent medical help.
Do not wait for an online reply. ChatDoc is not an emergency service.
General medical information, not a substitute for individual medical advice.