Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) explained: symptoms, causes, moisturizers and prescribed care, what colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil studies show, and when infection needs urgent help.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What eczema is
Atopic dermatitis, often called atopic eczema or just eczema, is a long-lasting condition that causes inflamed, red, extremely itchy skin. [1] It is not contagious. [1] It often starts in childhood, tends to come in flares followed by calmer periods, and improves by adulthood for many people but not all. [1] The NHS says it cannot be cured, but treatment can help manage symptoms. [2]Skin may be dry, cracked, scaly or thickened, may blister or bleed, and its color varies with skin tone; in people with darker skin, areas may look darker or lighter after inflammation. [2][1] People with eczema often also have asthma, hay fever or food allergies, and eczema can affect sleep and mood. [1]
Causes and triggers
The cause is not fully known. Genes, the immune system and the environment all play a role, and a weakened skin barrier lets moisture escape. [1] The NHS lists triggers such as soap, detergent, some fabrics, pets, house-dust mites, certain foods, heat, skin infections, stress and hormone changes. [2]Established care
The NHS says the main treatments are moisturizers (emollients) used as often as possible, at least twice a day, even when skin improves, washing with an emollient instead of soap, and steroid creams or ointments for flares; a GP may add other treatments or refer to a dermatologist. [2] The NHS also advises not changing your diet unless a doctor tells you to, and not using aqueous cream, which can irritate. [2] This is an established recommendation.What research shows
| Question | What the source found | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Moisturizers | A Cochrane review of 77 trials found fewer flares and longer time to flare with moisturizers, though evidence for these outcomes was low quality. [3] | Promising but limited |
| Colloidal oatmeal | A review of studies in people aged 3 months to 60 years with mild to moderate eczema reported improvements in itch, dryness and clinical scores when oatmeal moisturizers and cleansers were used alongside prescribed treatment. [4] | Promising but limited; used as an add-on to prescribed care |
| Virgin coconut oil | In one randomized trial of 117 children with mild to moderate eczema, coconut oil lowered scores more than mineral oil. [5] | Promising but limited (one trial, children) |
| Complementary treatments in general | A meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to support or recommend them for acne, eczema and psoriasis. [6] | Insufficient evidence |
| Aloe | NCCIH says there is not enough reliable information to say whether aloe helps eczema, and topical aloe has occasionally caused rash or eczema. [7] | Insufficient evidence |
See Colloidal oatmeal, Coconut oil and Skin moisturizing and barrier care. Before using an herbal or supplement product, read medication interactions.
When to get urgent help
The NHS says to get an urgent appointment or call a health line if eczema is blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has pus-filled spots; is painful, swollen or warm; suddenly worsens or spreads; or you have a fever or feel unwell. These can be signs of infection or a serious condition called eczema herpeticum. [2] If you feel very unwell, use your local emergency number. Also see Contact dermatitis and Skin and hair safety.Frequently asked questions
Can eczema be cured?
The NHS says there is currently no cure, though symptoms often improve with age and treatment helps control them. [2]
Does oatmeal help eczema?
A review of colloidal oatmeal studies reported improvements as an add-on to usual treatment. [4] It is not a replacement for prescribed treatment.
Should I change my diet for eczema?
The NHS advises not to change your diet unless a doctor tells you to. [2]
Is eczema contagious?
No. [2][1]
References
- NIAMS, Atopic dermatitis Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Atopic eczema Read 2026-10-22.
- Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017. Read 2026-10-22.
- Colloidal oatmeal formulations as adjunct treatments in atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol 2012. Read 2026-10-22.
- The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 2014. Read 2026-10-22.
- Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for common skin diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAAD Int 2021. Read 2026-10-22.
- NCCIH, Aloe vera. Last updated February 2025. Read 2026-10-22.