Eczema

Frequently asked questions

• Is eczema curable? +

  Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition with flares that come and go, so it is managed rather than permanently cured. The good news is that most patients improve significantly once they have the correct diagnosis and a clear plan for daily barrier care, flare treatment and relapse prevention. The aim is long-term control — calmer skin, fewer flares and a faster way back when a flare does happen.
• Could my rash actually be something else and not eczema? +

  Yes, and this is one of the main reasons eczema should be diagnosed by a doctor. Eczema overlaps with — and is often mistaken for — contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and fungal infection, and these have different treatment pathways. Getting the diagnosis right first means the treatment actually targets the problem you have.
• What is the single most important thing I can do for my eczema? +

  Daily barrier care is the foundation of long-term control across all ages. We recommend fragrance-free moisturising at least twice daily, and within minutes of bathing — an approach often called soak and seal. Keeping the skin barrier intact reduces the cracking that lets irritants in and drives the itch–scratch cycle.
• Are steroid creams safe to use on my face and eyelids? +

  Topical steroids are used in the correct strength for the site and severity, but sensitive areas such as the face and eyelids need particular care. For these areas we often prefer steroid-sparing options such as pimecrolimus, tacrolimus or crisaborole. Your doctor will match the treatment to where the eczema is and how severe it is.
• When should I see a doctor about my eczema? +

  See a doctor if eczema is affecting sleep, school, work or confidence, is recurrently infected, or isn't responding to a consistent over-the-counter routine. It is also worth reviewing if you suspect contact dermatitis — for example eczema mainly on the hands, face, eyelids or neck, or flares linked to particular products.
• When is eczema an emergency? +

  Seek urgent review for rapidly worsening redness, warmth, swelling, pain, yellow crusting or fever, which can signal a bacterial infection. Clusters of painful blisters also need urgent assessment, as these can indicate a herpes simplex complication (eczema herpeticum). These situations should not wait for a routine appointment.
• Is childhood eczema treated differently from adult eczema? +

  Yes. Childhood and adult eczema have different patterns, triggers and treatment pathways, which is why we provide separate hubs for each. Childhood care focuses on daily routine, flare control, infection prevention and family-friendly strategies, while adult care covers atopic, contact, hand and facial eczema — including patch-testing assessment and stepwise escalation.
• Is Vaseline (petroleum jelly) good for eczema? +

  For many people, yes. Plain petroleum jelly is a fragrance-free occlusive — it seals moisture into the skin and has nothing added that commonly irritates sensitive skin, which makes it a reasonable, low-cost emollient, including for young children. Because it is greasy and does not add water on its own, it works best applied to slightly damp skin (the soak and seal approach) or over a lighter moisturiser. If your eczema keeps flaring despite regular moisturising, it is worth having the diagnosis and routine reviewed.
• What is the best moisturiser for eczema? +

  Largely the one you will use often and tolerate well. As a rule, greasier products seal moisture in more effectively: ointments (such as petroleum jelly or Dermeze ointment) are the most occlusive and suit dry, flaring skin; creams sit in the middle; and lotions are the lightest. Whatever the base, fragrance-free is preferred. Moisturise at least twice daily and within minutes of bathing.