What does eczema look like?

What does eczema look like on your body & face?

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Written by Dr Deshan,MBBS(Hons) MMed FRCP (London) FACD

Eczema on the body

Where can eczema symptoms appear on my body?

Symptoms are most commonly present in areas such as the joints9. In children, we typically see eczema symptoms on the face, scalp and the arms and legs, whereas symptoms usually only involve areas such as the elbow joints and behind the knees in late-childhood or adult eczema10.

Infants
Toddlers School-age
AD is often widely distributed AD becomes more localised Inner creases of joints most often affected, particularly elbows and knees
Cheeks are usually the first area affected Outer skin of the joints (wrists, elbows, ankles, knees) are most commonly affected May also affect eyelids, earlobes, neck and scalp
Infants
Toddlers School-age
AD is often widely distributed AD becomes more localised Inner creases of joints most often affected, particularly elbows and knees
Cheeks are usually the first area affected Outer skin of the joints (wrists, elbows, ankles, knees) are most commonly affected May also affect eyelids, earlobes, neck and scalp

Table 1 - Commonly affected areas. Eczema can look different depending on the child's age1

Face eczema

How do i manage eczema on the face?

The same principles apply as anywhere else on the body. Avoid irritation/ potential irritants and use a thick and greasy emollient like the QV sting free ointment to help support cracked and dry skin. For any areas which are red itchy or flakey speak to your healthcare professional for advice on anti-inflammatory creams. There are steroidal and non-steroidal options. One difference is that doctors tend to avoid potent medications on the face.

Learn more with Dr. Deshan about eczema on the face

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