Eczema and dry skin

Eczema and dry skin

Eczema and dry skin often go together. In eczema the skin is usually dry, reddened, itchy and sometimes cracked. About 3 in 10 people who visit their GP with a skin problem are diagnosed with eczema. The number is increasing.

Atopic eczema, which is the term used to describe eczema where the cause is unknown, usually starts in childhood, often before the age of 1 year. The symptoms can be anything from small patches of minor irritation to a severe rash covering the whole body.

Treatment of eczema

Active patches of inflamed skin are usually treated by GPs with steroid creams. These creams come in different strengths. Stronger steroid creams are used only where inflammation is very active. Steroid creams are effective although they tend to loose their effectiveness when used continuously for more than a few weeks. Excessive long-term use can damage the skin.

After active eczema has been reduced using steroid creams it can usually be kept under control by keeping the skin hydrated.

Keeping the skin hydrated with medical moisturisers called emollients often prevents flare-ups of eczema and can reduce the need to use steroid creams. Oil has a protective effect on the skin.

Cautions

Eczema usually comes and goes. Patches of skin inflammation, particularly if new, that do not go after a few weeks or are spreading may not be eczema. We do not prescribe emollient to people who have not seen a doctor face-to-face and had a diagnosis.

Some emollients contain antiseptics or perfumes to which some people are sensitive. If the skin stings after an emollient is applied and stinging does not settle in a half an hour then it is best avoided using the emollient again.

Calmurid 10% contains urea 10%, a skin softener and exfoliant which can 'burn' sensitive skin.

For further information please see the NHS choices website for eczema and emollients.