Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, reddened, dry and cracked.
Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema, and mainly affects children. The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it often occurs in people who are prone to allergies ('atopic' means sensitivity to allergens).
Approximately three in 10 people who visit their GP with a skin problem are diagnosed with atopic eczema. The number of people who are diagnosed with it has increased in recent years. Males and females are affected equally, as are people from different ethnic backgrounds.
About eight in 10 atopic eczema cases occur before a child reaches five years of age. Many children develop it before their first birthday.
How will atopic eczema affect me or my child?
Atopic eczema can vary in severity. Some people are only mildly affected and have small areas of dry skin, which are occasionally itchy. Others may experience more severe symptoms, such as cracked, sore and bleeding skin.
For most children with atopic eczema, it clears up or significantly improves as they get older. In approximately 53% of young children with atopic eczema, it clears up by the time they reach 11, and in 65% of cases it clears up by the age of 16.
People with severe eczema often find that it has a significant impact on their daily lives. It may be difficult to deal with, both physically and psychologically. However, there are many different treatments that can help control symptoms and manage the eczema.
For information on the other types of eczema, see Useful links.
