HealthInfo Canterbury
Living with eczema (dermatitis)
As eczema is a long-term condition, it will take a joint effort by you and your healthcare team to manage the symptoms.
What can I do?
If you are worried about your skin or about eczema, make an appointment with your general practice team. They will be able to advise you on treatments and check for causes or things that might trigger your eczema.- Stay away from irritants (things that can make your eczema flare up). These include things such as soaps, detergents, wool, and scratching.
- Use lots of moisturiser to keep your skin moist, and when necessary, use topical steroids creams.
- Keep your nails short so you don't scratch yourself, use cotton bedding, and avoid dry environments.
- Read about treatment options for eczema, which range from creams that you rub on, through to prescribed medicines. Talk to your general practice team for advice about treatments and whether they would be right for you.
- If you think your eczema is infected, see your doctor as soon as possible. You may need antibiotics to clear the infection.
- Learn more by reading these resources and factsheets about eczema.
Who can help?
The following people and organisations may be involved in your (or a family member's or friend's) healthcare.
General practice team
If you need to find a GP, you can search on this map.
Dermatologists
If you have severe eczema that's not responding well to treatment, your GP may refer you to The Christchurch Hospital Dermatology Department, where you will be seen as an outpatient.
If you prefer, you can pay to see a private dermatologist. Find a private dermatologist on:
On the next page: Eczema treatments
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2017.
Sources
See also:
Review key: HIEXZ-21485
