If you actually live with eczema, you've probably heard plenty of advice.
Don't scratch. Moisturise more. Avoid stress. Change your diet. Try this ingredient. Stop using that ingredient.
The frustrating part? Eczema isn't exactly the same for everyone.
So instead of another complicated list of skincare rules, we've put together practical answers to the everyday eczema questions people actually ask.
๐ง Eczema in 30 seconds
Eczema is a condition that can leave skin dry, itchy, cracked and inflamed. There isn't currently a cure for atopic eczema, but the right treatment and everyday care can help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
๐ It's not "just dry skin"
Eczema can affect sleep, confidence, concentration and everyday wellbeing, not just how the skin looks. That's why Eczema Awareness Week is about understanding the experience behind the skin as well as the symptoms we can see.
So, what should an eczema skincare routine actually look like?
When you have eczema, your everyday routine doesn't need to resemble a 10-step skincare video.
The basics are much less glamorous, but far more important.
๐ฟ Keep the foundation simple
1. Cleanse or wash gently
2. Use your emollient or moisturiser regularly
3. Use prescribed eczema treatments exactly as advised
4. Protect your skin from known triggers where possible
What moisturiser should you use for eczema?
You'll often hear the word emollient when talking about eczema.
Emollients are moisturising treatments that help reduce water loss and cover the skin with a protective layer.
They come as lotions, creams, gels and ointments.
๐ง Cream or ointment?
Very generally, lotions are lighter, creams sit somewhere in the middle, and ointments are richer and can be particularly useful for very dry skin. The best option is the one that suits your skin and your treatment plan.
Sometimes finding the right emollient takes a little trial and error.
Can you shower every day if you have eczema? ๐ฟ
You don't necessarily need to avoid washing.
What often matters more is how you wash.
Try:
โ Warm rather than very hot water
โ Keeping showers or baths relatively short
โ Using your recommended soap substitute or wash
โ Patting rather than aggressively rubbing yourself dry
โ Applying your emollient afterwards
Ordinary soaps and strongly fragranced shower products can be drying or irritating for eczema-prone skin.
Why does eczema suddenly flare up?
Sometimes the answer is obvious.
Sometimes it feels like your skin woke up and chose chaos.
Common things that can aggravate eczema include:
๐งผ Soaps, detergents and fragranced products
๐ฅ Heat and sudden temperature changes
๐งถ Irritating fabrics
๐ณ Pollen and other allergens for some people
๐ฃ Stress
๐พ Contact with certain animals for some people
๐ฆ Skin infection
Triggers vary enormously from person to person, so your friend's eczema trigger isn't automatically yours.
๐ฟ Try an eczema diary
If your flare-ups seem random, keep a simple note of changes in weather, stress, skincare, household products, clothing and symptoms. Patterns can sometimes become much easier to spot over time.
Is eczema caused by food?
This is one of the biggest eczema questions online.
The answer isn't as simple as removing dairy, gluten or another food from your diet.
Food allergy can be associated with eczema in some people, particularly children, but food isn't automatically the cause of eczema. Unnecessarily restrictive diets can create other problems too.
โค๏ธ Before eliminating foods
Speak to an appropriate healthcare professional if you think food is triggering eczema, particularly before removing major foods from a child's diet.
Can stress really make eczema worse?
Yes. Stress is a recognised trigger for some people.
And eczema itself can create stress.
Itching can disturb sleep, poor sleep can make everything feel harder, and worrying about your skin can add another layer to the cycle.
That doesn't mean your eczema is "all in your head". It means physical and emotional wellbeing can interact.
What about retinol, acids and trendy skincare ingredients?
If you have active, irritated eczema, that probably isn't the moment to turn your face into a skincare laboratory.
Even products marketed as gentle, natural or for sensitive skin won't suit every person with eczema.
๐ฟ A sensible rule
Introduce optional cosmetic skincare slowly and one product at a time, particularly if you already know your skin reacts easily.
Is eczema contagious?
No.
You cannot catch atopic eczema from touching, hugging or sharing space with somebody who has it.
Can eczema be cured?
Atopic eczema currently has no simple cure.
But that doesn't mean nothing can be done.
Treatment can help control symptoms, manage inflammation and reduce the impact eczema has on day-to-day life.
What about steroid creams?
Topical corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation during eczema flare-ups.
The important part is using the correct treatment, strength and duration for your individual situation.
๐ง Unsure about your treatment?
Ask your pharmacist, GP, dermatology team or other prescribing healthcare professional rather than changing prescribed treatment because of something you've seen on social media.
How do you know if eczema might be infected?
This is one question worth knowing the answer to.
๐จ Seek medical advice promptly if eczema:
- Becomes painful, swollen or unusually warm
- Develops crusting or starts leaking fluid
- Develops pus-filled spots
- Suddenly becomes much worse or spreads
- Is accompanied by a temperature or feeling generally unwell
These may be signs of infection and shouldn't simply be treated as another skincare flare.
Eczema questions people ask all the time
Does eczema spread if you scratch it?
Eczema isn't contagious and scratching doesn't make you "catch" it elsewhere. But repeated scratching can damage the skin, worsen inflammation and increase the risk of infection.
Should you let eczema dry out?
Generally, no. Keeping eczema-prone skin moisturised with appropriate emollients is a major part of routine eczema management.
Is hot water bad for eczema?
Very hot water can aggravate itching and dryness for many people. Warm or lukewarm water is usually the more comfortable option.
Does eczema get worse in winter?
It can for some people. Cold outdoor weather, dry air and moving into centrally heated rooms may aggravate dry, itchy skin.
Can eczema suddenly appear in adults?
Eczema can affect people at different ages. If you've developed a new rash or symptoms you're unsure about, don't assume it's eczema. Get an appropriate diagnosis.
Can you wear makeup if you have facial eczema?
Some people with eczema tolerate cosmetics and others find certain products irritating. During an active facial flare, keeping things simple may be more comfortable. Introduce cosmetics cautiously and stop using products that clearly aggravate your skin.
๐ The thing we want you to take away
Living with eczema isn't about finding one magical skincare product. It's about understanding your skin, keeping up with the care and treatment that works for you, recognising your triggers where possible, and knowing when you need professional help.
Your skin doesn't have to be perfect to deserve care. ๐
Be gentle with your skin and with yourself on the difficult days.
๐ Trusted guidance used for this article
Written by Skin Be You
Reviewed and updated: September 2026
This article is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Eczema varies from person to person. Speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist if you need advice about your symptoms or treatment.