Eczema is a common, yet frustrating, chronic skin condition that is characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. If left untreated, it can take a toll on your overall health and well-being, causing discomfort and emotional distress.
At Dr. Haus Dermatology Clinic, a private dermatologist for eczema treatment, we understand the challenges that come with this condition. With your input, together we can develop personalised treatment plans, tailored to your unique skin needs, to make your symptoms more manageable, helping you to enjoy better skin health and emotional well being.
In this article, we will explore the characteristics of eczema, causes, diagnosis, and the various treatment options available at our dermatology clinic in Harley Street, London.
Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that is characterised by red itchy patches on the skin. It can affect patients of all ages, but is more common in infants and young children. The condition often improves with age, although many adults continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives.
There are several types of eczema, including:
The symptoms and severity of eczema vary significantly from patient to patient. Common eczema symptoms include:
In severe cases, eczema can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, and social withdrawal. The visible nature of the condition can affect confidence and self-esteem, while other symptoms, such as severe itching, can prove challenging in daily life. As a private dermatologist for eczema treatment, we witness the emotional impact of the condition and strive to provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of our patients.
Eczema is a complicated condition that is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors:
Can Stress Flare Up Eczema?
Yes, stress is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups. While stress doesn’t directly cause eczema, it can significantly worsen symptoms in those who are already prone to the condition. When you’re stressed, your body releases higher levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and weaken the immune response. This makes the skin more sensitive, reactive, and prone to inflammation.
Many people with eczema notice a cycle where stress leads to itching and irritation, which can then increase stress further, making symptoms harder to control. Flare-ups linked to stress may appear as increased redness, dryness, itching, or even more frequent outbreaks.
Do Certain Foods Flare Up Eczema?
Certain foods can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms in some individuals, although this varies from person to person. Common culprits include dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, wheat, and seafood, but not everyone with eczema will react to these foods.
Food related flare-ups often occur due to an allergic response, which can increase inflammation and trigger itching, redness, or rash. In children, food allergies are more commonly linked to eczema flare-ups, while in adults, diet tends to play a smaller but still significant role.
Keeping a food diary can help identify potential triggers. If you notice a pattern between certain foods and flare-ups, speak with a dermatologist or allergist before making major dietary changes. They can guide you on safe elimination strategies and ensure you maintain a balanced, nutritious diet while managing your eczema.
There are several ways to diagnose Eczema. These include:
Our expert dermatologists use a comprehensive approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan, tailored to your individual needs.
Treatments Available for Eczema
Eczema treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and strengthening the skin barrier to prevent future flare-ups. Here are the treatments for eczema available at our clinic:
Topical Treatments
Topical medications are usually the first line of defence when managing eczema. These include:
Moisturisers and Emollients
A weakened skin barrier allows irritants, allergens, and microbes to penetrate the skin more easily. Regular use of moisturisers helps to strengthen this barrier, support a healthy skin microbiome, and maintain hydration.
Using the right emollients can help to:
Our expert dermatologist at Dr. Haus Dermatology can recommend products suited to your skin type and condition to ensure the best results.
Light Therapy
For moderate to severe eczema that does not respond to topical treatments, light therapy can be an effective option. This may include UV-based phototherapy or LED light therapy.
LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin, helping to reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve overall skin health. As part of a combined treatment plan, it may also help improve skin texture and appearance.
Systemic Treatments
For patients with moderate to severe eczema, particularly when symptoms are widespread, persistent, or not responding adequately to topical treatments alone, systemic medications may be recommended.
Unlike creams or ointments that work on the surface of the skin, systemic treatments work throughout the body to help regulate the immune response driving inflammation. These treatments can significantly reduce flare-ups, itching, and ongoing skin irritation when carefully prescribed and monitored by experienced dermatologists.
Depending on the severity and type of eczema, systemic treatment options may include:
At Dr Haus Dermatology, our dermatologists have extensive experience managing patients on systemic eczema treatments. Careful monitoring forms an important part of treatment to ensure both safety and effectiveness over time. Patients are supported throughout their treatment journey with regular follow-up appointments, ongoing skin assessments, and tailored adjustments where needed.
For many patients with severe eczema, systemic treatments can make a significant difference not only to the skin itself, but also to overall comfort, confidence, sleep quality, and day-to-day wellbeing.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Lifestyle changes can play a key role in managing eczema and preventing flare-ups. A well-rounded approach may include:
Education and Support
Understanding your condition is an important part of managing eczema effectively. With the right guidance and support, you can take an active role in controlling symptoms and reducing flare-ups.
While eczema may not always be curable, a tailored treatment plan and consistent care can significantly improve both skin health and overall quality of life.
While mild eczema can often be managed with over-the-counter treatments and a consistent skincare routine, there are times when professional support is essential. If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or impacting your daily life, it’s important to seek advice from an experienced dermatologist.
Eczema is a complex, long-term condition that often requires a tailored approach to achieve effective control. A dermatologist can assess your skin in detail, identify triggers, and recommend advanced treatments that go beyond standard options. With the right guidance, you can reduce flare-ups, improve skin comfort, and better manage your condition over time.
If your eczema is difficult to control or causing concern, booking a consultation with a qualified dermatologist at Dr Haus Dermatology can help you access the expert care and personalised treatment plan needed to restore healthier and more balanced skin.
About Dr Haus Dermatology
Dr Haus Dermatology is a private dermatology clinic established over 15 years ago on Harley Street, London, providing expert care for both medical and aesthetic skin concerns. The clinic takes a consultation-led approach, with a focus on careful diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and long-term skin health.
All patients are assessed and treated by experienced Dermatologists, ensuring care is medically led from the outset. The team manages a wide range of skin concerns, from common and complex dermatological conditions to skin cancer checks and aesthetic treatments, always prioritising safety and evidence-based care.
Patients can find out more about the Dermatologists and Nurses behind their care on the Meet the Team page, or make an inquiry via the Contact Us page, or alternatively, chat to us now via WhatsApp. Dr Haus Dermatology welcomes patients from London and across the UK.
Our team of dermatologists are highly experienced clinicians with extensive NHS backgrounds, bringing a depth of medical expertise to every patient consultation. Many are recognised leaders in their field and are regularly invited to speak at national and international dermatology conferences. This ensures that all treatments offered at Dr Haus Dermatology are grounded in the latest clinical evidence and delivered to the highest medical standards.
Alongside topical, light-based, and laser therapies, our dermatologists also have extensive experience prescribing and carefully monitoring advanced systemic treatments for complex eczema cases. Patients receiving these medications are supported with ongoing follow-up, detailed clinical monitoring, and personalised long-term management to help ensure treatment remains both safe and effective.
“The prestigious Harley Street clinic is lauded as one of the best London destinations for both medical and cosmetic dermatology, and for those looking for a laser specialist it’s the place.”
— Harper’s Bazaar
Dr Haus Dermatology
75 Harley Street
London W1G 8QL
