Medical Dermatology · Condition guide
Eczema, Dermatitis & Rashes
Also known as: atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, itchy skin
Dry, itchy, inflamed skin that keeps coming back, calmed with the right diagnosis.
The short version
Eczema is skin that turns dry, itchy and inflamed, often flaring in the elbow and knee creases, hands, neck and face.
On darker skin it often looks grey, purple or ashen rather than red. There are several types with different triggers, so diagnosis comes first.
What it can look and feel like
- Intense itching, worse at night
- Dry, scaly or leathery patches
- Bumps that ooze when scratched
- Flares in skin creases and hands
Why it happens
- A weaker skin barrier (often genetic)
- Irritants, soaps, fragrances, fabrics
- Allergies and asthma often accompany it
- Stress, heat and sweating
How we treat it
- Prescription creams, used safely
- Medical moisturisers to repair the barrier
- UVB phototherapy for stubborn flares
- A written plan for the next flare
Every plan starts with a proper diagnosis, your treatment is chosen for your skin, your history and your lifestyle. See our in-clinic treatments →
Related reading
All articles
Take the next step
Living with eczema, dermatitis & rashes? Let's help you manage it.
Book a consultation, or send a photo and description on WhatsApp.
No referral needed · Walk-ins welcome