Overview
Eczema is a long-term skin condition causing dry, intensely itchy, inflamed patches that flare and settle in cycles. It often starts in childhood and runs in families alongside asthma and allergies. It is not contagious, and consistent moisturising plus trigger control keeps most cases comfortable.
Symptoms
- Dry, itchy patches of skin
- Redness or darkening of affected areas
- Thickened, rough skin from scratching
- Small bumps that may leak fluid when scratched
- Itching worse at night
- Common in skin folds — elbows, knees, neck
Causes & risk factors
- Inherited tendency to sensitive, dry skin
- Triggers: heat, sweat, harsh soaps, certain fabrics
- Dust, harmattan dryness and sudden weather changes
- Stress worsening flares
Treatment & self-care
Moisturise generously and often — especially after bathing — use gentle, fragrance-free soaps, keep baths short and lukewarm, and wear soft cotton. Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory creams for flares and treat any infection from scratching. Avoid bleaching creams and unproven mixtures, which damage the skin barrier and worsen eczema.
See a doctor urgently if
- Skin weeping, crusting or showing pus (infection)
- Itching disturbing sleep despite regular moisturising
- Flares spreading or not responding to prescribed creams
- Eczema with fever or rapidly worsening rash