Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

• Repeated need for scratching.
• Dry and sensitive skin.
• Rough, flaky, and irritated skin.
• Local inflammation or redness.
• Rashes.
• Skin that looks visually thicker, scaly or cracked.

• Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition and the most common form of eczema.
• Atopic dermatitis is typically genetic, with individuals often sharing a family member with the same condition.
  The condition is typically linked with other forms of immune system dysregulation and allergies such as hay fever or asthma.
• Often individuals find that their skin is very sensitive to materials such as wool, soaps and perfumes and avoiding these products can improve symptoms.
• Individuals with atopic dermatitis often have compromised skin barriers.
  This causes the skin to lose moisture, allowing microbes and irritants to enter the immune system and worsen symptoms.

• Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen. There are two forms of contact dermatitis, irritant and allergic.
• Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by repeated exposure to substances that damage the skin barrier, such as harsh cleaning products, soaps or industrial chemicals. Exposure to such substances is typically a product of occupational practices, for example, healthcare workers washing their hands frequently or beauticians using products such as nail polish and hair dyes.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is triggered by an immune system response to a specific allergen. Allergic contact is different to irritant contact dermatitis as it relies on a specific allergen, such as nickel, latex, or fragrances, rather than ongoing exposure to a substance.
• Dermatologists at The Skin Hospital can use a patch test to identify specific allergens or substances that may be contributing to your symptoms.

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a form of eczema that affects areas of the skin that are rich in oil producing glands such as the skin, face and chest.
• It presents as flaky, red or scaly patches on the skin and is thought to be linked to naturally occurring yeast.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis is often known as cradle cap when present in infants.

• Dyshidrotic eczema, or pompholyx, is a form of eczema that primarily affects an individual’s hands or feet, causing small and intensely itchy blisters to form along the palms,
  fingers or soles.
• It is often triggered in the warmer months, and may be worsened by sweating, stress or exposure to certain heavy metals.

• Nummular eczema, or discoid eczema, presents as oval-shaped patches of irritated skin.
• Such coin-sized lesions can be itchy, scaly or weep fluid.
• Nummular eczema is more commonly seen in adults and may be triggered by dry skin, insect bites or injuries to the skin.

Topical therapies may include moisturisers, steroids or prescription creams to help protect and restore the skin barrier.

Oral medications may be used in the context of a broader management approach for more persistent or generalised eczema.

Biologic therapies such as dupilumab may be used for severe atopic dermatitis and can address specific immune pathways involved in increasing inflammation.

• You have persistent or worsening symptoms.
• Your eczema is affecting your sleep, work or quality of life.
• You develop an infection or symptoms such as increased redness, warmth, swelling or weeping.
• You have not received a formal diagnosis or are unclear which skin condition you have.