Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Last reviewed
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with itchy, dry, red patches that flare and settle. It's driven by a weakened skin barrier and an overactive immune response. Treatment combines daily barrier repair (moisturisers, gentle cleansers), trigger avoidance, topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors for flares, and newer therapies for severe cases.
Eczema is a chronic, relapsing skin condition — the skin barrier doesn't hold moisture or block irritants the way it should, and the immune system responds with inflammation, itch and visible patches. It often runs in families alongside asthma, hay fever and food allergies.
In Indian climates, eczema flares with humidity changes, sweat, harsh soaps, dust mite exposure and Bengaluru winter dryness. The goal of treatment isn't a one-time cure — it's keeping the barrier strong enough that flares are rare and short.
How eczema shows up
- Itchy, dry patches — typically on elbow creases, behind knees, face, neck, hands
- Red or darker patches on Indian skin (often grey-purple-brown rather than bright red)
- Thickened, leathery skin from chronic scratching (lichenification)
- Weeping or crusting lesions during a severe flare
- Worse at night — itch disturbs sleep
- Dry, scaly skin in between flares
- Often associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis or food allergies
What triggers eczema flares
- Weak skin barrier (often genetic, including filaggrin mutations)
- Irritants — soaps, detergents, fragranced products, wool
- Allergens — dust mites, pollen, pet dander, some foods (in children)
- Climate — extreme dryness or heat and humidity
- Sweat — exercise, summer heat
- Stress — flares often track life events
- Skin infections (Staph aureus colonisation worsens many flares)
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if the itch is disturbing sleep, if patches are spreading or weeping, if standard moisturisers and over-the-counter creams aren't enough, or if a child's eczema is interfering with feeding, sleep or school. Severe untreated eczema thickens and pigments — both far easier to prevent than reverse.
How eczema is treated at SkinWise
The foundation is barrier repair: a gentle non-foaming cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturiser applied generously after every wash, and trigger identification. Flares are treated with topical steroids (potency matched to body site and severity) or calcineurin inhibitors. Severe or unresponsive cases may need oral therapy, phototherapy or newer biologics — we discuss when each is appropriate.
Services that treat eczema
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Frequently asked questions
Will my child outgrow eczema?
Many children with atopic dermatitis improve significantly by adolescence — about half see major improvement by age 10. Good barrier care through childhood reduces both severity and the chance of persistence into adulthood.
Are topical steroids safe?
When used correctly — right potency, right body site, right duration — yes. Misuse (high-potency steroids on the face long-term, or too-weak steroids on stubborn body patches) is what causes the problems patients hear about. We match the strength to the situation and review at follow-up.
Which moisturiser should I use?
A thick, fragrance-free moisturiser without active ingredients — ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum-based formulations work well. Brand matters less than consistency. Apply within three minutes of stepping out of the shower while skin is still damp.
Does food cause eczema?
True food-triggered eczema is uncommon in adults and uncommon-but-real in some children. We don't recommend elimination diets without proper testing — they rarely help and often cause nutritional issues. Skin barrier care and trigger avoidance do more.
Ready to start with a consult?
A focused 15-minute first consultation is where we slow down, map your concern and build the smallest plan that will actually move the needle. No oversell, no fixed menu.