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What is eczema?

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got everything you need in one place.

Introduction

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.

What is eczema like?

The skin is often unbearably itchy – the urge to scratch can be irresistible – and during a flare-up it can also be red, cracked, sore and raw. Alongside the painful physical symptoms, many children and adults experience related sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.

Get the support you need

You can understand more about the various types of eczema, what can trigger eczema and treatments to help with your eczema below. Our Help & Support area includes a variety of helpful resources, downloads and webinars to help support you or your family to live a better life with eczema.

Types

Information about the various types of eczema by their medically accurate terms.