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Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by intense itch, dryness, and red or darkened patches that can flare repeatedly over months or years. It affects people of all ages, and humidity, heat, and air pollution can worsen flares in tropical and subtropical climates.

Aristocort

Triamcinolone

4mg

Triamcinolone 4mg tablets, used for inflammatory skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis. A synthetic corticosteroid taken by mouth rather than applied.

From$0.77/ tabletView

Betnovate

Betamethasone

0.1%

Betamethasone 0.1% cream, applied to the skin for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. A potent topical corticosteroid acting at glucocorticoid receptors.

From$1.63/ creamView

Fusiderm B

Betamethasone, Fusidic Acid

2/0.12%

Fusiderm B is betamethasone with fusidic acid as a cream for eczema and dermatitis, a potent steroid alongside an antibacterial agent.

From$21.46/ tubeView

Synalar

Fluocinolone Acetonide

0.025%

Fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% cream, applied to the skin for eczema and psoriasis. A potent synthetic corticosteroid that crosses into the cell.

From$18.70/ tubeView

Temovate

Clobetasol

15 · 30g

Clobetasol cream in 15g and 30g tubes, applied for psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. A potent corticosteroid that damps the local immune response.

From$7.79/ tubeView

Desonate Cream

Desonide

10g

Desonide cream in a 10g tube, applied for atopic dermatitis and eczema. A low-potency topical corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic.

From$17.00/ tubeView

Diprolene

Betamethasone

0.1%

Betamethasone as a 0.1% cream for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. A potent topical steroid that damps the local immune response and swelling.

From$7.01/ tubeView

Cutivate

Fluticasone

10 · 20g

Fluticasone propionate cream and ointment in 10g and 20g tubes, applied for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. A potent topical corticosteroid.

From$29.75/ tubeView

Key points

  • An ongoing itch that intensifies at night is the defining feature, with affected skin looking red or greyish depending on complexion.
  • Flares commonly affect the elbow and knee folds, neck, wrists and ankles, and the cheeks and scalp in infants.
  • Topical corticosteroid strength is matched to the skin affected, from mild agents for the face to potent short courses for thickened patches.

Recognising a flare

The hallmark is persistent itch, often worse at night. Affected skin may look red on lighter complexions or grey-brown on darker ones, and it tends to crack, weep, or crust during active flares. Common sites are the folds of the elbows and knees, the neck, wrists, and ankles. In infants, the cheeks and scalp are often involved. Triggers vary by person but frequently include sweat, certain fabrics, soap, dust mites, and sudden changes in temperature or humidity.

Topical treatments

Moisturising the skin barrier frequently is the cornerstone of ongoing management. During flares, topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and itch. Milder steroids such as desonide and fluocinolone acetonide suit sensitive or facial skin, while moderately potent options like triamcinolone address thicker plaques on the body. Stronger agents including betamethasone and clobetasol are reserved for short courses on stubborn, lichenified areas. When a secondary bacterial infection develops alongside the rash, a combination product containing fusidic acid can address both. Browse the full range in our skin care category.

When to get medical advice

See a doctor if the rash becomes weepy, crusted, or spreading rapidly, if sleep is consistently disrupted, or if the skin shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus. Children who fail to improve with standard care, or adults whose eczema covers large body areas, benefit from a structured review to rule out contact allergy or other diagnoses.

Further reading