Around 1 in 5 children have eczema (also known as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis). They typically have inflamed and dry, itchy skin. During flare-ups (periods of worsening symptoms), their skin becomes vulnerable to cracks, bleeding and infection.
Eczema impacts quality of life; it can impair sleep, ability to concentrate at school, self-confidence and mood. The condition is usually long-term (chronic), although it improves, or even clears completely, in some children as they get older. Even so, it is one of the most common reasons for children and young people to seek medical care. Community pharmacists and GPs are the first port of call and, while there is no cure, treatments can soothe sore skin, reduce itching, improve the appearance of the eczema, and reduce infections.
NIHR have put together a new Collection which brings together major NIHR research, several of which have been funded by the School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), on the prevention and treatment of eczema. The collection has been designed to allow commissioners, healthcare professionals and families to focus on what is effective
Read more: Eczema in children: uncertainties addressed