Dermatology, by video or in person
Eczema (Atopic Eczema)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Eczema (Atopic Eczema)
- Dry, itchy skin, often worse at night
- Rough, thickened or scaly patches
- Patches that look red on lighter skin and brown, purple or grey on darker skin
- In babies, the face, scalp and the outer arms and legs; in older children and adults, the creases of the elbows, knees, wrists and neck
- Small bumps around the hair follicles, common on dark skin
Atopic eczema is a long-term condition that makes the skin dry, itchy and inflamed. It usually starts in childhood, often in the first year of life, and it often improves as children grow, but it can continue into adulthood or start later. It runs in families with asthma and allergic rhinitis. On brown and black skin eczema often looks dark brown, purple or grey rather than red, can show as small bumps around the hair follicles, and may leave lighter or darker patches after a flare settles. It is not contagious. There is no cure, but daily moisturising and the right creams control it well for most people.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Dry, itchy skin, often worse at night
- Rough, thickened or scaly patches
- Patches that look red on lighter skin and brown, purple or grey on darker skin
- In babies, the face, scalp and the outer arms and legs; in older children and adults, the creases of the elbows, knees, wrists and neck
- Small bumps around the hair follicles, common on dark skin
- Weeping, crusting or cracked skin during a flare
- Lighter or darker patches left behind after a flare
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if eczema suddenly becomes very painful, with clusters of small blisters or punched-out sores, especially with a fever or feeling unwell, which can be eczema herpeticum, a serious infection with the cold sore virus; or if a baby with eczema is feverish, floppy or not feeding. See a doctor if eczema is not controlled by moisturisers, is weeping, crusted or spreading, which can mean infection, is stopping you or your child sleeping, or keeps flaring. For a baby or child, a paediatrician by video can advise on creams and whether the child needs to be seen.
Treatment options
- Emollients (moisturisers) used generously and often, every day, even when the skin is clear
- A soap substitute in place of ordinary soap
- Steroid creams or ointments for flares, at the strength and for the length of time your doctor advises
- Other prescription creams for the face or for frequent flares
- Antibiotics only when eczema is infected
- Avoiding irritants such as perfumed soaps, harsh detergents and wool
- A dermatologist's review for severe eczema
Common Questions
Are steroid creams safe for eczema?
Used as your doctor advises, yes, and they are the main treatment for flares. Problems such as thinning of the skin come from strong creams used for too long or in the wrong place, which is why the strength and the length of treatment matter.
Is eczema caused by food?
Food allergy can be a trigger in some babies and young children, especially when eczema started early and is severe, but most eczema is not caused by food. Do not cut foods out of a child's diet without a doctor's advice, because it can affect growth.
Can a doctor treat eczema by video?
Usually, yes. A doctor can see the skin on camera, plan moisturisers and creams, and tell you when to step treatment up or down. Infected or unusual eczema may need to be seen in person.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified dermatology specialist near you.
Dermatology in Lagos →Dermatology in Abuja →Dermatology in Port Harcourt →Dermatology in Jos →Dermatology in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management (CG57). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Atopic eczema. NHS. Patient information.
- Secondary bacterial infection of eczema and other common skin conditions: antimicrobial prescribing (NG190). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 29 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.