Management of atopic eczema in primary care

Atopic eczema commonly develops in the first months of life, with prevalence of around 10% in children under two. Although the normal progression is for the condition to resolve during childhood, it may recur or persist into adult years.

Remit and target users

The guideline summarises the evidence and, where appropriate, provides evidence based recommendations around: diagnosis and referral; emollient therapy; topical corticosteroid therapy; topical calcineurin inhibitors; dressings and wet wrap treatment; antimicrobial measures; antihistamines; managing environmental factors; dietary interventions; and complementary and alternative therapies.

This guideline will be of particular interest to general practitioners, nursing staff (community nurses, practice nurses and specialist nurses in dermatology), dermatologists, pharmacists and dietitians. It will also be of interest to patients and their carers.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.

Keeping up to date

This guideline was issued in 2011 and will be considered for review in three years. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the review report.

If you are aware of any new evidence that would update this guideline please complete a change request form and return to: roberta.james@nhs.scot

​ Current 3-7 years

Some recommendations may be out of date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.