Eczema causes skin to become itchy, red, dry, sore and cracked.
It affects one in 12 adults in the UK – a figure that are on the rise thanks to certain chemicals in shower gels, face wipes and other household products.
The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which can affect both children and adults.
While symptoms may develop in any area, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.
The exact cause of the skin condition is unknown, but it can often be triggered by soaps, detergents, stress and the weather.
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There are a number of options for helping to relieve symptoms – try these three.
Diet
Some foods are known to trigger signs of eczema, according to the NHS.
These include eggs and cow’s milk, and reducing them or cutting them out of your diet could help.
However, you shouldn’t drastically change your diet without speaking to your GP first.
Moisturising treatments
Applying emollients – or moisturising treatments – to the skin can reduce water loss and cover it with a protective film.
There are several different types – lotions, creams and ointments – and they can each treat different levels of symptoms.
For example ointments can help very dry skin, while lotions can help more mild dryness.
Your GP will be able to prescribe which suits you best.
Stop scratching
The skin condition is very itchy, but it is important to avoid scratching the affected area if possible.
According to the NHS, scratching can damage the skin and then cause more eczema to occur.
They recommend gently rubbing skin with your fingers instead, keeping your nails short and covering your skin with light clothing.