goodtoknow says: There are two types of eczema and they're both very treatable. Atopic eczema is the most common and the one that mainly affects children, Many children grow out of eczema, and it can run in families. Contact eczema is more common in adults than children, often caused by an allergy to something that irritates the skin. Eczema will make your child's skin dry, itchy, flaky and red and usually appears between creases, especially behind their knees and elbows. The key is to try to keep your child's skin as moist as possible. Your GP or health visitor can advice on emollient creams and bath products to help ease your child's eczema, or ask your pharmacist. Try to stop them scratching too!

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of eczema from patient.co.uk, read on.

Atopic eczema is an inflammation of the skin which tends to flare-up from time to time. It usually starts in early childhood. There is no 'cure', but treatment can usually control or ease symptoms. Emollients (moisturisers) and steroid creams or ointments are the common treatments. About 2 in 3 children with eczema 'grow out of it' by their mid teens.

What is atopic eczema?

Eczema is sometimes called dermatitis which means 'inflammation of the skin'. There are different types of eczema. The most common type is atopic eczema. In this type of eczema there is a typical pattern of skin inflammation which causes the symptoms.

The word 'atopic' describes people with certain 'allergic' tendencies. However, atopic eczema is not just a simple allergic condition. People with atopic eczema have an increased chance of developing other 'atopic' conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

- Read about the symptoms of atopic eczema

More help and advice

- Expert advice on eczema
- Read how Debbie coped with her son Cian's eczema
- Read more about baby skincare
- How socks can help stop the itching

• Next: What are the symptoms of atopic eczema?

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