Is the name used to describe dry, itchy, sore, inflamed skin. Under the umbrella of eczema you have different types such as:

• discoid eczema – a type of eczema that occurs in circular or oval patches on the skin
• contact dermatitis – a type of eczema that occurs when the body comes into contact with a particular substance
• varicose eczema – a type of eczema that most often affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins
• seborrheic dermatitis – a type of eczema where red, scaly patches develop on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears and scalp
• dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx) – a type of eczema that causes tiny blisters to erupt across the palms of the hands

Atopic Eczema (atopic dermatitis)  is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked.

Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body. Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin. This can also be more difficult to see on darker skin. Although atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children. People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups).

What causes atopic eczema?

People with atopic eczema often have very dry skin because their skin is unable to retain much moisture. This dryness may make the skin more likely to react to certain triggers, causing it to become itchy and sore. You may be born with an increased likelihood of developing atopic eczema because of the genes you inherit from your parents.

Research has shown children who have 1 or both parents with atopic eczema, or who have other siblings with eczema, are more likely to develop it themselves.

Atopic eczema is not infectious, so it cannot be passed on through close contact.

Eczema triggers

There are a number of things that may trigger your eczema symptoms. These can vary from person to person.

Common triggers include:

• Irritants – such as soaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing-up liquid and bubble bath
• Environmental factors or allergens – such as cold and dry weather, dampness, and more specific things such as house dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds
• Food allergies – such as allergies to cows’ milk, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat
• Certain materials worn next to the skin – such as wool and synthetic fabrics
• Hormonal changes – women may find their symptoms get worse in the days before their period or during pregnancy
• Skin infections

Some people also report their symptoms get worse when the air is dry or dusty, or when they are stressed, sweaty, or too hot or too cold.

If you’re diagnosed with atopic eczema, a GP will work with you to try to identify any triggers for your symptoms.

Self care

Eczema is often itchy, and it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas of skin. Scratching further damages the skin, which can itself cause more eczema to occur. This process, when constantly repeated, thickens the skin into leathery areas as a result. Scratching deep into the skin causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred. You could try gently rubbing your skin with your fingers instead.

Keeping your nails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching. Keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching and friction that can irritate the skin further.

How can you manage eczema at home whilst taking prescribed medications?

Volcanic Ash is perfect for easing the itchiness and reducing the inflammation. Because of its healing and detoxifying properties it seals and soothes the skin. Whether you mix it into a paste and dab it on the affected areas or bathe in it, it will provide relief. Our Crown To Sole Conditioning Cremé is specifically designed to help ease the symptoms and promote healing in the deep layers of the skin.

If you are unsure about using our products, please consult your doctor first.

To find out more about Eczema types, visit https://www.nhs.uk/search/results?q=eczema