Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes red, dry, itchy and sore. Sometimes small weeping blisters may appear which later turn dry and flaky. Eczema can range from a mild annoyance to a severe and distressing complaint.
There are many different names used to describe types of eczema:
Eczema isn’t contagious, so it cannot be passed from one person to another. Although most types of eczema cannot be cured, looking after your skin can help you control your eczema.
What causes eczema?
There is not always an obvious cause but possible triggers which may cause your eczema include:
- Allergens (something you are allergic to)
- An irritant (something that irritates your skin)
- A family tendency to develop eczema
- Stress
Tests to determine the cause
Your GP or healthcare professional may perform a test to see if the cause of your eczema can be identified:
However, in many cases, there is no identifiable cause. This can be frustrating to learn but there are
eczema treatments and actions you can take to make things better. If your hands are continuing to cause you problems it may be worth going back to see your GP or healthcare professional.