Atopic eczema is a common, chronic skin condition. The word ‘eczema’ originates from the Greek word ‘to boil’.1 It is described as being itchy and dry, with erythema which can have a thickened appearance.1 It can also present with weeping, blistering and crusting.1
The condition can be very uncomfortable, and can have an adverse effect on patients’ quality of life.1 This article will share clinical insights and discuss the presentation of atopic eczema, its assessment, considerations for any differential diagnoses, advice for topical management and when to seek medical support in a specialist dermatological setting.
‘Atopic’ refers to associated disease development including asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergens.2 In certain inherited instances, immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced in response to environmental factors.3
This subsequently leads to conditions such as ‘atopic eczema’.3 In the UK, clinicians often refer specifically to ‘atopic eczema’, however globally, particularly in the US and mainland Europe…
