Eczema (dermatitis) affects about 1 in 5 people at some stage in their lives.   It is an itchy, inflammatory condition of the skin that can be due to a variety of causes including inherited factors (atopy), exposing the skin to irritants, an allergy, the presence of yeasts (seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff) or poor circulation.

Treatment includes the identification and elimination of any exacerbating factors (which may need specialist help),  use of soap free cleansers, liberal application of emollients (moisturizers) and use of prescribed creams.   Sometimes eczema can be a long term problem.