Treating atopic eczema

Atopic eczema clears up or significantly improves in many children as they get older. In about 53% of cases, atopic eczema clears up by the time a child reaches 11 years of age, and in 65% of cases it clears up by 16 years of age.

However, severe eczema often has a significant impact on daily life and may be difficult to cope with physically and mentally. There is also an increased risk of infections. 

Read more about complications of atopic eczema.

Many different types of treatment can be used to control symptoms and manage eczema, including medication and self-help techniques. 

The main treatments are:

• emollients (moisturising treatments) – used all the time for dry skin
• topical corticosteroids – used to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups

Read more about How atopic eczema is treated.