Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in London — Symptoms, Causes & Management
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness and recurrent flares. This guide explains eczema symptoms, causes, triggers and evidence‑based management to help you feel more in control. It’s written for patients across London — including Central London, Maida Vale, St John’s Wood and Paddington — with practical steps you can take before considering specialist care.
Eczema at a Glance
| What is eczema? | A chronic inflammatory skin condition causing itch, redness, and dryness due to barrier dysfunction. |
| Typical eczema symptoms | Itching, dry or cracked skin, red patches, flaking, crusting, or thickening in severe cases. |
| Who is most affected by eczema? | Babies, children, adults with allergies or asthma, and people in urban areas like London and Paddington. |
| Why treat eczema? | To relieve itching, prevent infections, improve sleep, and reduce long-term skin damage. |
| How Skinhorizon Clinic can help with eczema | Consultant dermatologist-led eczema treatment in Maida Vale, Central London, St John’s Wood and West London — with patch testing, phototherapy and personalised plans. |
What is eczema?
Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions. It cycles through dryness, itch and inflammation, often disturbing sleep and concentration. Eczema may start in childhood, improve, persist, or first appear in adulthood.
What Causes Eczema and How It’s Diagnosed in London
Two processes drive eczema: barrier dysfunction (skin loses water and allows irritants/allergens in) and immune over‑reactivity (inflammation). Scratching damages the barrier further, worsening the itch–scratch cycle.
Types of eczema
- Atopic eczema – most common; often in the flexures.
- Allergic/irritant contact dermatitis – triggered by exposures (fragrance, metals, preservatives). See contact dermatitis.
- Discoid eczema – coin‑shaped plaques. See discoid eczema.
- Dyshidrotic/pompholyx eczema – deep itchy blisters on palms/soles.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis overlap – flakes/redness on scalp/face. See seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Hand eczema – often occupational; wet‑work/irritants common triggers.
Eczema symptoms in adults and children
- Itch (often worse at night); sleep disturbance.
- Dry, cracked or thickened skin; visible scale.
- Red patches, or grey‑brown/purple tones in darker skin.
- Weeping/crusting during acute flares.
In children, eczema commonly affects the face and flexures; in adults it often involves hands, eyelids and the neck.
Need personalised advice for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in London?
If flares persist despite good routines, a consultant‑led review in Maida Vale can help refine diagnosis, identify triggers and create a plan that fits daily life.
Eczema triggers you can influence
- Soaps/detergents and fragranced products.
- Dry air, hot showers, sudden weather changes (common in London winters).
- Dust mites, pollen, pet dander.
- Stress and sleep loss.
- Infection; occasionally foods (more in children).
Eczema diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical: the pattern, distribution and history. Tests are selective. If flares cluster on hands/eyelids, or products sting, consider patch testing to identify allergens (e.g., fragrance mix, preservatives, rubber accelerators). For management options and pathways in London, see the Eczema Treatment page.
Eczema in children
Paediatric eczema plans prioritise gentle regimens, parent‑friendly flare steps and sleep. Many children improve over time; consistent routines matter. We see families across Maida Vale, St John’s Wood and wider Central London.
Eczema in skin of colour
In darker skin tones, inflammation may appear grey‑brown or violaceous rather than red, and post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation can persist after flares. We use pigment‑aware strategies and set realistic timelines for colour to fade.
Eczema self‑care that helps
- Use bland, fragrance‑free cleansers and moisturisers.
- Keep showers lukewarm and brief; moisturise within 3 minutes (“soak & seal”).
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics; avoid wool against active areas.
- Keep nails short; try cool compresses instead of scratching.
- For hands: cotton liners under gloves at work; barrier creams before wet tasks.
Related Skin Conditions
Learn more about dermatitis, discoid eczema, dry skin, and psoriasis.
Reviewed by: Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist (GMC 6091983) — Skinhorizon Clinic, Maida Vale, London
Last reviewed:
Eczema FAQs (London)
Is eczema contagious?
Can eczema be cured permanently?
Does diet affect eczema symptoms?
When should I see a dermatologist for eczema in London?
Where can I learn about eczema treatments in Central London?
Disclaimer: Education only; not personal medical advice. Suitability for treatments can only be confirmed after an in‑person assessment with a qualified clinician.
