The recommended first-line (basic) treatments for most cases of eczema are emollients and topical steroids. Paste bandages and wet wraps may be a helpful addition for some people, particularly where scratching is a major problem.

Professor Andrew Wright* explores the exciting potential of new treatments in the pipeline for treating eczema. Over the past five years we have seen exciting developments in eczema treatments, with many other promising options on the horizon.

The BEACON trial is assessing the effectiveness, tolerability and cost-effectiveness of methotrexate, dupilumab and abrocitinib (a Janus-kinase inhibitor or ‘JAK’ treatment) and ciclosporin in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic eczema. All these treatments are routinely used in the NHS.

Treatment of ear eczema Treatment of ear eczema will depend on the cause and type of eczema, which will need to be diagnosed by your GP. For atopic, seborrhoeic or asteatotic eczema, apply a medical emollient frequently to the affected areas. You may be prescribed a topical steroid for sore areas behind the ears, and in their folds.

Treatments. Keeping skin moisturised using emollients (medical moisturisers) is key to managing all types of eczema. Topical steroids are the first-line treatment to bring flare-ups under control, and other treatments are available to help manage more severe symptoms.

It’s not a cure for eczema, but can be very effective in keeping the condition under control. Because of its side effects, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s available in the UK as capsules containing 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg of ciclosporin.

Methotrexate is an effective treatment for severe eczema. In the largest high-quality study of methotrexate for adults with severe eczema, 40 per cent (4 in 10) of patients saw at least a 50 per cent improvement in their eczema after 12 weeks of treatment.

Phototherapy works by targeting the overactive immune response in the skin, to reduce those itchy, irritated red or darker patches caused by flares. If successful, it can improve eczema for a while, but it is not a cure and the eczema may return.

Dupilumab, also known as Dupixent®, is a treatment for moderate to severe atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) in adults and children aged 12 years and older. It’s also used to treat severe atopic eczema in children aged 6 months to 11 years.

Atopic eczema usually starts in childhood and it can improve as the child gets older, but it can also return at any time, as eczema is a chronic condition. If you have atopic eczema at an early age, your skin is likely to remain sensitive even if there is no recurrence of eczema.