Eczema Care Guide: Treatments, Triggers & How to Calm Flares
Eczema can feel relentless — from itching and broken sleep to sudden flares with no obvious cause. This guide explains common triggers, evidence‑based treatments, and practical routines that help calm the skin barrier and break the itch–scratch cycle.
Need a personalised eczema plan?
If flares persist despite good routines, a consultant‑led pathway can help. See what’s typically included.
Eczema Treatment PathwayEczema — At a Glance
- What it is: Chronic, itchy inflammation with a fragile skin barrier.
- Common triggers: Fragrance/detergents, hot showers, climate shifts, stress, infection, allergens.
- First‑line care: Daily emollients, correct‑potency anti‑inflammatories, soak‑and‑seal.
- When to escalate: Widespread/stubborn disease → consider targeted UVB; suspected allergy → patch testing.
- Related topics: eczema overview, atopic dermatitis, discoid eczema.
How Eczema Is Treated
Treatment is phased: calm the flare, repair the barrier, then prevent recurrence. The mix depends on your subtype and sites involved.
- Prescription topicals: potency matched to area/severity; taper to avoid rebound; calcineurin inhibitors for delicate zones.
- Barrier support: emollients morning/evening and within 3 minutes after bathing (“soak & seal”).
- Targeted light therapy: Excimer UVB for localised, resistant plaques; reduces steroid burden.
- Patch testing: if flares persist on hands/eyelids or products sting → identify contact allergens.
Triggers You Can Influence
- Fragrance, certain preservatives, and harsh surfactants in skincare or laundry.
- Very hot, long showers; dry heated environments; sudden weather changes.
- Dust mites, pollen and pet dander; manage exposure if relevant.
- Stress and poor sleep; build a calming evening routine and nail‑care to reduce scratching damage.
- Infection or yeast overgrowth; treat promptly then resume anti‑inflammatories.
Children, Teens & Adults
Protocols are adjusted by age and severity. Paediatric pathways emphasise gentle regimens and parent‑friendly flare plans; teen/adult plans may add device‑based options and lifestyle tweaks for sustained control.
Explore Your Options
See what a consultant‑led pathway includes — from wet‑wraps and patch testing to UVB.
Eczema Treatment PathwayRelated Reading
Learn more about dermatitis, discoid eczema and dry skin. If you suspect allergy‑driven eczema, see contact dermatitis and our skin allergy (patch) testing.
Eczema FAQs
What’s the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?
When do you use Excimer UVB for eczema?
Is PDT suitable for eczema?
How do you prevent flares?
Do you treat children with eczema?
Get Back to Calm Skin
See how a structured pathway helps reduce flares and steroid burden.
Eczema Treatment Pathway