Your Questions Answered

You may have lots of questions you want to ask about eczema, without wanting to bother your doctor every time. We have put together below a list of frequently asked questions about eczema – we hope this will answer some of your concerns.

Q. Is eczema caused by stress?
Q. Is it OK to go swimming if you have eczema?
Q. Will my child grow out of their eczema?
Q. Is eczema catching?
Q. Could changing my diet cure my eczema?
Q. I have heard that Chinese herbal creams can be very effective in eczema - is this true?
Q. Are there any 'natural' creams to treat eczema?
Q. Why does my eczema itch more in the summer?
Q. Can eczema affect any part of the body?
Q. Does exercise make eczema worse?
Q. If I have eczema will my children suffer as well?

Q. Is eczema caused by stress?

A. This link has not been definitely proven, but many eczema sufferers feel that their flare-ups tend to happen when they are stressed.

Q. Is it OK to go swimming if you have eczema?

A. Some people’s eczema is made worse by chlorine in swimming pools. Applying a barrier cream before swimming may limit the irritation. Also, rinse well in the shower afterwards, and try to apply an emollient cream within 5 minutes of showering, to ‘trap’ moisture in your skin.

Q. Will my child grow out of their eczema?

A. Not every child grows out of their eczema, but the majority do. By the time they reach their teens, 60-70% of children who suffered from eczema are virtually clear.

Q. Is eczema catching?

A. No, eczema is not contagious. It is caused by underlying immune activity affecting the skin, not by a bacteria or virus.

Q. Could changing my diet cure my eczema?

A. For some people, eczema may be linked to something in their diet, but there are many other potential triggers apart from diet. It is worth trying to notice if any particular food makes your eczema worse, and trying to avoid that food if possible. It is important, though, that babies and children should not eliminate any particular food without advice from a dietician. It is important to realise that eczema being triggered by diet is different from an immediate hypersensitive reaction, such as peanut allergy: the trigger is not life-threatening, but should be avoided as much as possible.

Q. I have heard that Chinese herbal creams can be very effective in eczema – is this true?

A. There is limited data on whether these creams are actually effective. More worrying is the fact that some of these ‘natural’ creams actually contain potentially harmful levels of synthetic steroids! Talk to your doctor before using any alternative therapy for eczema.

Q. Are there any 'natural' creams to treat eczema?

A. The data on natural and homeopathic treatments tends to be limited. Talk to your doctor before using any alternative therapy for eczema.

Q. Why does my eczema itch more in the summer?

A. Hot weather can make the skin drier, and more prone to eczema. The same is true of indoor heating in the winter. Wearing loose cotton clothing should help and trying to stay in the shade during the midday heat. Very hot countries are probably not the best holiday destination for a child with eczema.

Q. Can eczema affect any part of the body?

A. Yes it can, but each individual tends to have vulnerable skin areas. Areas that are frequently affected include the elbow, knees, face and hands, trunk.

Q. Does exercise make eczema worse?

A. Sometimes sweating caused by exercise can make eczema worse. Try to minimise sweating by wearing loose, 'breathable' sports clothes. Avoid exercise in very hot weather. Try to shower and then apply emollients soon after exercising.

Q. If I have eczema will my children suffer as well?

A. Eczema does tend to run in families, so your child is more likely than average to develop eczema. Whether or not your partner (the child's parent) suffers from eczema will also affect their chance of developing eczema.