‘Atopy’ is the term used for the tendency
to develop eczema, asthma and/or hayfever. Atopic eczema is a dry
itchy inflammation of the skin.
The words ‘eczema’ and ‘dermatitis’ are
interchangeable and mean the same thing. Atopic eczema, therefore,
is the same thing as atopic dermatitis.
Atopic eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the
face, but the areas most commonly affected are the bends of the
elbows, around the knees, and around the wrists and neck. These are
known as ‘flexural’ areas. It affects both sexes equally and
usually starts in the first weeks or months of life. It is most
common in children, affecting at least 10% of infants, although it
can carry on into adult life or come back in the teenage or early
adult years.
Treatment at the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust
You will need the advice of a health care professional on the
best treatment for your eczema and on how long this should
continue. The treatments used most often are moisturisers, and
topical steroid creams or ointments.
The
Dermatology Department provides a comprehensive adult and
paediatric dermatology service with clinics stretching across the
region from Henley to Thatcham. The team comprises four dermatology
consultants complimented by a registrar from Oxford and two
specialist nurses. The department runs a general dermatology
service for all skin conditions plus specialist clinics.
Contact:
Dermatology
Outpatients 2
South Block
Royal Berkshire
NHS Foundation Trust
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN