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Eczema

Dry, itchy, inflamed skin that flares and settles. Very manageable with the right routine.

Speak to a GP about eczemaFrom £79

In short

Eczema is common and, while it can't always be cured, it's very controllable with a good emollient routine and steroid creams for flares. A GP can set up the right plan and treat complications.

Overview

What is eczema?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common condition where the skin barrier doesn't work well, leaving skin dry, itchy, and prone to inflammation. It tends to flare and settle, often runs in families alongside asthma and hay fever, and commonly affects the skin creases. It's not contagious, and it's very manageable with the right routine.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Dry, scaly, or cracked skin
  • Intense itching, often worse at night
  • Red or inflamed patches, commonly in skin creases
  • Weeping or crusting during flares
  • Thickened skin from repeated scratching

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if eczema isn't controlled with over-the-counter moisturisers, is flaring, disturbing sleep, or showing signs of infection. Seek urgent help for painful, rapidly spreading, blistered skin with fever.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Rapidly spreading, painful, blistered, or crusted skin with fever (possible infection, including eczema herpeticum, seek urgent care)
  • Eczema that's weeping, golden-crusted, and worsening (possible bacterial infection)
  • Widespread sudden flare with feeling unwell

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Assessment of severity and triggers
  • A clear emollient (moisturiser) routine, the foundation of eczema care
  • Prescription of topical steroids of the right strength for flares
  • Advice on avoiding triggers (soaps, heat, allergens, stress)
  • Treatment of any skin infection complicating the eczema
  • Referral to dermatology for severe or treatment-resistant eczema

What we don't do

  • Specialist systemic treatments and phototherapy (referred to dermatology)
  • Patch testing for contact allergies (referred on)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about eczema starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about eczema

What's the most important part of eczema treatment?
Regular, generous use of emollients, even when the skin looks clear. This repairs the skin barrier and reduces flares. Steroid creams are added for flares.
Are steroid creams safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Using the right strength for the right length of time is safe and effective. We'll guide you on how and where to apply them.
What triggers eczema?
Common triggers include soaps and detergents, heat and sweating, stress, certain fabrics, and allergens. Identifying and reducing yours helps control it.
Will my child grow out of it?
Many children's eczema improves with age, though the skin can stay sensitive. Good skincare keeps it controlled in the meantime.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about eczema?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

Start on WhatsApp

7 days a week · 08:00–22:00 · WhatsApp or email