Eczema

• Dermatology
• Dermatology
• Eczema

Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Dr. Susan Mayou (GMC: 2405092) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading dermatologists

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that appears as a dry skin rash, often with red and scaly symptoms. An estimated one in every nine people in the UK have been diagnosed with eczema at some point in their lives.

The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions that cause a wide variety of symptoms — redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding. Temporary skin discolouration and scarring may also occur as a result of scratching uncomfortable rashes caused by eczema.

There are a variety of different treatments available that can be applied as standalone treatments or in combination with each other. These range from emollients for use in the bath or shower, medicinal moisturisers to relieve acute itchiness and weak topical steroids or immunosuppressants for stronger cases. These steroids are applied externally to the skin and reduce inflammation and itching without causing skin thinning, enabling the skin to heal more effectively.

Successful treatment typically results in full elimination of eczema symptoms and can therefore provide relief from existing discomfort and irritation.

Whatever your personal requirements, you can rest assured that we will provide the leading UK consultants and techniques at our state-of-the-art, purpose-built, central London facility.

Why do people have it?

The benefits of treatment for eczema include:

• Controlled or reduced symptoms
• Reduced itchiness
• Improved sleeping
• Improved self confidence and self-esteem

How can you treat Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic disease that flares up and subsides intermittently. While there is no cure, most children do find that their symptoms naturally improve as they get older.

Treatments to manage symptoms of eczema include:

• emollients - moisturisers used daily to stop the skin becoming dry
• topical corticosteroids – creams and ointments used to reduce swelling and redness during flare ups
• antihistamines – for severe itching 

Lifestyle modifications can also be very helpful in supporting any treatment plan for eczema

• eliminate or reduce scratching the affected site
• avoid triggers such as heat, and certain soaps and fabrics that aggravate the condition
• dietary changes to eliminate or reduce foods such as dairy that can aggravate the condition

The cost of Eczema Treatment

The main symptoms of eczema are

• Dry, red, itchy skin
• Crusting or cracked skin
• Blistered skin
• Oozing, bleeding skin
• Sore, swollen skin
• Red, purple or grey patches of skin

Depending on severity, these symptoms can range from being localised and very mild to generalised, widespread and severe.

If untreated, symptoms typically fluctuate between periods where the condition improves and flare ups. This cycle can occur as many as 2 or 3 times a month

Where does Eczema form on the body?

Eczema occurs all over the body, but is most common on the:

• Hands
• Fingers
• Insides of the elbows
• Backs of the knees 

What causes Eczema?

Eczema is caused when the skin is unable to retain moisture and the surface of the skin gets very dry. This dryness may make the skin more likely to react to certain triggers, causing it to become itchy and sore.

An inability to retain moisture in the skin can be caused by genetics, and there is a strong family link between those who suffer from Eczema. The most common form of Eczema (atopic) usually appears very early on in a child’s life, and symptoms often arise before their first birthday. Research suggests that there is a genetic link and that Eczema is hereditary. If one or both parents suffer from Eczema, or a child’s sibling has the condition, then that child is far more likely to develop Eczema themselves.

Many people also ask whether stress is a cause of Eczema. Stress is not a cause of Eczema but if you already have the condition, then feeling stressed may lead to a flare-up. This is because stress causes the body to release a hormone called cortisol. Excess cortisol causes inflammation which can lead to an outbreak of Eczema.

The following environmental triggers are also indicated for eczema flare-ups:

• Irritants such as soaps and detergents
• Cold dry weather
• Food allergies
• Certain materials and fabrics, e.g. wool, synthetics
• Hormonal changes
• Skin infections
• Stress 

Is Eczema contagious through touching?

Despite the concern of some, eczema is not contagious by touching. Even when a person is experiencing a flare-up and there is a visible rash or dry patches, it can not be passed on to anyone else. If someone develops symptoms after touching someone with eczema then it is important to consult a dermatologist so that the condition can be diagnosed. It will not be eczema.

Whilst eczema itself is not contagious, there is a chance of infections because of cracks that can appear in the skin. When there are open wounds it is possible to be infected by viruses such as herpes simplex, bacteria such as staphylococci, and fungi such as candid. These infections can be passed on and that is why it is vital to follow an effective treatment plan that prevents these from occurring. 

You will meet with one of our highly trained dermatologists at the Cadogan Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for an in-person assessment of your skin.

Your consultant will discuss the following with you at this consultation:

• The best options for treatment for you given your eczema condition, and the results that you would likely achieve with each treatment
• An explanation of the treatment or treatment plan
• Go through your past medical history
• Answer any questions you may have

3 Easy Steps

• Visit the Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for your in-person consultation with one of our dermatologists
• Start your treatment plan
• Return to the Clinic to see your dermatologist - if required - to monitor the progress of treatment 

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW