Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: May 2025 

For review: May 2027 

Ref: C-614/KA/Dermatology/Eczema 

PDF: Eczema (easy read).pdf [pdf] 906KB

What is Eczema?

• Eczema is a problem you can get with the skin.

• Eczema causes changes in the skin barrier.

• Lots of people get Eczema. You are not the only one.

• Eczema can start at any age.

• Eczema can affect any part of the body.

What does Eczema look and feel like?

• Eczema can make your skin look red. 

• The skin can become dry.

• The skin can look scaley or flaky.

• Eczema can make your skin itch. 

• The skin can feel sore and can look and feel thicker.

How can Eczema make you feel?

• Eczema can change the way you feel sometimes. This is ok.

• Some people feel ok, and some people feel unhappy with having Eczema.

• There are lots of things that can help you and your skin.

What will make my skin look and feel better?

• Putting moisturising cream on your skin will help. You may need someone to help you do this.

• Talking to a doctor or specialist can help, they can arrange tests or treatments you may need.

• Treatments may include moisturising creams or steroid creams you put on the skin. Sometimes special medications or UV light treatment can help.

• There is an easy read for UV treatment.

• Family, friends or carers may be able to support you and help you with your skin.

What can cause Eczema and what can make it worse?

• There are many things that can cause Eczema to develop.

• You cannot catch Eczema from touching someone else.

• Sometimes you can get Eczema if a family member already has it.

• If you know there is something that makes your skin worse, it is best to avoid it if you can.

• Sometimes things like stress or being unwell can make your Eczema worse.

Self-Care/ what can help your Eczema

• It is good to moisturise your skin regularly; this can help your skin to feel better.

• You can use your moisturising cream to wash with too!

• Try not to itch your skin. You could apply moisturiser onto the skin instead, this might help. 

• Wear comfortable, cool clothing if possible.

• Wash your clothes with non- biological washing powder/ tablets.

• Try to avoid anything that you know makes your skin worse.

• If you need help with your skin, always ask.