What is eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that appears as a dry skin rash, often with red and scaly symptoms. An estimated one in every nine people in the UK have been diagnosed with eczema at some point in their lives.
The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions that cause a wide variety of symptoms — redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding. Temporary skin discolouration and scarring may also occur as a result of scratching uncomfortable rashes caused by eczema.
There are a variety of different treatments available that can be applied as standalone treatments or in combination with each other. These range from emollients for use in the bath or shower, medicinal moisturisers to relieve acute itchiness and weak topical steroids or immunosuppressants for stronger cases. These steroids are applied externally to the skin and reduce inflammation and itching without causing skin thinning, enabling the skin to heal more effectively.
Successful treatment typically results in full elimination of eczema symptoms and can therefore provide relief from existing discomfort and irritation.
Whatever your personal requirements, you can rest assured that we will provide the leading UK consultants and techniques at our state-of-the-art, purpose-built, central London facility.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
The main symptoms of eczema are
- Dry, red, itchy skin
- Crusting or cracked skin
- Blistered skin
- Oozing, bleeding skin
- Sore, swollen skin
- Red, purple or grey patches of skin
Depending on severity, these symptoms can range from being localised and very mild to generalised, widespread and severe.
If untreated, symptoms typically fluctuate between periods where the condition improves and flare ups. This cycle can occur as many as 2 or 3 times a month
Where does eczema form on the body?
Eczema occurs all over the body, but is most common on the:
- Hands
- Fingers
- Insides of the elbows
- Backs of the knees
How can you treat eczema?
Eczema is a chronic disease that flares up and subsides intermittently. While there is no cure, most children do find that their symptoms naturally improve as they get older.
Treatments to manage symptoms of eczema include:
- emollients - moisturisers used daily to stop the skin becoming dry
- topical corticosteroids – creams and ointments used to reduce swelling and redness during flare ups
- antihistamines – for severe itching
Lifestyle modifications can also be very helpful in supporting any treatment plan for eczema
- eliminate or reduce scratching the affected site
- avoid triggers such as heat, and certain soaps and fabrics that aggravate the condition
- dietary changes to eliminate or reduce foods such as dairy that can aggravate the condition
What are the benefits of eczema treatment?
The benefits of treatment for eczema include:
- Controlled or reduced symptoms
- Reduced itchiness
- Improved sleeping
- Improved self confidence and self-esteem
What causes eczema?
Eczema is caused when the skin is unable to retain moisture and the surface of the skin gets very dry. This dryness may make the skin more likely to react to certain triggers, causing it to become itchy and sore.
An inability to retain moisture in the skin can be caused by genetics, and there is a strong family link between those who suffer from eczema.
Atopic eczema is not infectious, so it cannot be passed on through close contact.
The following environmental triggers are also indicated for eczema flare-ups:
- Irritants such as soaps and detergents
- Cold dry weather
- Food allergies
- Certain materials and fabrics, e.g. wool, synthetics
- Hormonal changes
- Skin infections
- Stress
What to expect during your eczema consultation at the Cadogan Clinic?
You will meet with one of our highly trained dermatologists at the Cadogan Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for an in-person assessment of your skin.
Your consultant will discuss the following with you at this consultation:
- The best options for treatment for you given your eczema condition, and the results that you would likely achieve with each treatment
- An explanation of the treatment or treatment plan
- Go through your past medical history
- Answer any questions you may have
3 Easy Steps
- Visit the Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for your in-person consultation with one of our dermatologists
- Start your treatment plan
- Return to the Clinic to see your dermatologist - if required - to monitor the progress of treatment
Why choose the Cadogan Clinic for your eczema treatment?
- We treat hundreds of eczema cases each year
- Our team of 9 highly experienced specialist dermatologists have been handpicked to form one of the best independent dermatology units in the country
- Our purpose build dermatology clinic is conveniently located off Sloane Square
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek medical advice for my eczema?
You should seek medical advice as soon as your first symptoms begin.
Some key information to share with your dermatologist includes:
+ whether the rash is itchy and where it appears
+ when the symptoms first began
+ whether it comes and goes over time
+ whether there's a history of atopic eczema in your family
+ whether you have any other conditions, such as allergies or asthma
+ whether something in your diet or lifestyle may be contributing to your symptoms
There is evidence that eczema is genetic and it is common that eczema sufferers also have family members who suffer from the condition.
This is a very common disorder, however, impacting roughly 10% of children and a variety of other causes are also known to be associated beyond genetics, including an array of environmental and medical causes.
Eczema is not contagious
Eczema is not typically dangerous, although at its most severe symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and distressing. You should seek medical advice if you are experiencing symptoms
Will eczema go away on its own?
Eczema is a chronic condition. It is common for symptoms to improve with age, however, and your symptoms may go into remission of their own accord, even without proper treatment and control
Eczema is a chronic condition. There is no cure for eczema. Some treatments can control the condition permanently, or even prompt long remissions.
But since eczema is linked to genetic makeup, we do not have a permanent cure for the disease
Is my eczema treatment permanent?
Whilst your results may essentially prove permanent, treatments are only able to control the disease and are not able to fully cure it.
It will not be known at the outset whether your treatment is able to deliver permanent results for you
How can I tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
It is often difficult for an untrained eye to tell the difference between the two conditions.
You will need to seek a professional medical opinion from a trained dermatologist to understand your skin condition if you are unsure
Where is the Cadogan Clinic located?
The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.
Our address is 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW.
We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.
Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
How to find us
The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.
We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.
We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.
Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW
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