Eczema and dermatitis treatment, prescription care for itchy, inflamed skin

What is eczema and dermatitis?

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a long-term condition in which the skin barrier does not work as well as it should, making it prone to dryness, itching, redness and inflammation. Contact dermatitis is a related condition triggered by skin coming into contact with an irritant or allergen — such as certain soaps, metals, rubber or skincare ingredients. Both can occur at the same time, and the two often look similar on the skin.

Eczema tends to come and go in flares — periods of calm skin followed by periods of worsening. Triggers vary from person to person and can include stress, heat, sweat, certain fabrics, environmental allergens, and detergents. Identifying and avoiding your triggers, while keeping skin well-moisturised, is the foundation of long-term management.

How is eczema treated?

Management works in layers. The foundation for everyone is a good emollient routine — applying a moisturiser frequently enough to maintain the skin barrier, especially after bathing. During a flare, a topical steroid cream applied to the affected area reduces inflammation and itch. Stronger steroid preparations are used for thicker skin or severe flares; milder formulations suit the face, skin folds, or children. Some people use a non-steroid topical cream for sensitive areas or as an alternative to steroids.

Which preparation is appropriate, and how strong, depends on the affected area, the severity of the flare and your personal history — which is exactly what the prescriber takes into account during the consultation. We do not list specific medicine names on this public page.

Treating eczema with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy at 245 High Street, Stratford. You complete a confidential consultation describing your skin, the affected areas and any previous treatments — a UK prescriber reviews it and, if appropriate, prescribes an emollient and/or steroid cream or alternative preparation that suits your situation. Treatment is dispensed and delivered the next working day in plain packaging, or you can collect from our Stratford branch.

If you are unsure whether what you have is eczema, our online skin diagnosis service can provide a clinical assessment before you proceed to treatment.

When to see your GP instead

See your GP the same day if your skin appears infected — with oozing, yellow crusting, spreading redness or fever. Also see your GP if your eczema is very widespread, has never been assessed before, is affecting your sleep severely, or has not responded to multiple courses of prescription treatment — you may benefit from allergy testing or a dermatology referral. Children with eczema should be managed by their GP or paediatrician. If we cannot safely manage your situation online, we will say so clearly.