Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is a non-contagious, inflammatory dry skin condition that can affect people from early infancy to old age. The most common form, atopic eczema, affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK.
Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema and tends to run in families. ‘Atopic’ is a term used to describe the tendency to develop eczema, asthma and hay fever.
Information about the various types of eczema by their medically accurate terms.
If you aren’t sure what type of eczema you have, here are all types of eczema that commonly affect the hands.
Upadacitinib is licensed for the treatment of adults and children aged 12 years and older with moderate to severe atopic eczema who are possible candidates for systemic medication.
Tralokinumab, is a treatment for moderate to severe atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) in adults and children aged 12 years and older. Tralokinumab is a type of biologic drug called a monoclonal antibody.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are a type of medicine used to treat atopic eczema in adults and children. ‘Topical’ means that they are applied to the skin.
Phototherapy (light therapy) refers to the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat moderate to severe eczema. Phototherapy is a second-line treatment option that is only available at specialist clinics or hospitals.
Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant medicine that dampens down the activity of the skins immune-system fighting cells to reduce the skin inflammation caused in eczema.
Emollients are medical moisturisers used to treat eczema and other dry skin conditions. Unlike cosmetic moisturisers, they are unperfumed and do not have ‘anti-ageing’ additives.
Dupilumab is a treatment for moderate to severe atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) in adults and children aged 12 years and older. It’s also used to treat severe atopic eczema in children aged 6 months to 11 years.
Ciclosporin, an oral immunosuppressant drug, is a treatment for severe eczema that requires supervision by a dermatologist. It’s a polypeptide drug consisting of amino acids obtained from a fungus.
Baricitinib calms the immune system and reduces eczema inflammation (red or darker areas of active eczema) and itch. Most people who benefit from baricitinib will notice some improvement in their eczema within the first eight weeks of treatment.
Abrocitinib, also known as Cibinqo ®, is a treatment for moderate to severe atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
Many people with eczema find that wool and synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, cause overheating, sweating and irritation, which set off the dreaded itch. Let’s dig more into this trigger and how to avoid it.
Help & Support
Providing medically accurate advice for people with eczema to understanding more about their symptoms, learn about triggers and get the answers to their eczema type.
What is eczema?
Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is a non-contagious, inflammatory dry skin condition that can affect people from early infancy to old age. The most common form, atopic eczema, affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK.
Support for...
Uncontrolled eczema has a huge impact on a child’s quality of life. However, when eczema is well-managed it is possible to limit its impact on day-to-day life.
Eczema affects around 20% of children in the UK and usually starts during the first six months. Get the latest information and advice on how to manage eczema for your baby.
The teen years can be challenging for young people and alongside hormonal changes, eczema can effect their sleep, relationships and mood.
Eczema is a common condition, therefore staff at schools should have awareness of the effects to ensure children don’t feel isolated or alienated from friendship groups.