Atopic eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red. It can affect any part of the body, although is most often seen affecting the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children. "Atopic" means sensitivity to allergens, so those with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups), which may be related to allergen/trigger exposure.

The common triggers are soaps, detergents, stress and the weather although food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema. Eczema can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions such as  asthma  and hay fever. 

Besides atopic eczema, eczema can also be due to allergens in contact with the skin (contact allergic eczema) including contact allergy to ingredients of cosmetics / toiletries.

Our experts at the LAC will help identify any triggers and devise a treatment plan to relieve symptoms and reduce exposure to the triggers.