Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Also known as: atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema, eczema, flexural eczema, childhood eczema
Atopic eczema is a chronic itchy inflammatory skin condition with flares and remissions. Emollients and topical anti-inflammatories are first-line; Chinese medicine is used as an adjunct for itch and flare frequency, with careful attention to herbal safety and allergy history.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Moisturise at least twice daily, including after every wash.
- •Use soap-free wash and lukewarm (not hot) water.
- •Keep nails short; cotton gloves at night for children who scratch.
- •Identify and avoid personal triggers (heat, sweat, certain fabrics, stress).
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Do not needle into actively infected, weeping or broken skin.[]
- •Herbal medicine in children, pregnancy and patients with liver disease requires extra caution and short review cycles.[]
- •No unsupervised elimination diets in infants and children — dietetic supervision required.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track itch (0–10), sleep disturbance and flare frequency every 3–4 weeks. Review herbal tolerance at each visit; stop herbs and refer if any signs of liver upset (nausea, dark urine, jaundice).
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- DermNet · 2024
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
- Australasian College of Dermatologists · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.