Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition that can significantly affect sleep, work, and quality of life. Many patients find that standard treatments stop working or that their eczema keeps flaring despite using steroid creams.

 

Dr Bryan McDonald is a Consultant Dermatologist in London with specialist expertise in managing difficult, persistent, or severe eczema in both adults and children.

 

What is eczema?

Eczema is a condition where the skin barrier is weakened, leading to dry, inflamed, and itchy skin that is prone to flares.

 

Symptoms of eczema

• Dry, cracked skin

• Intense itching

• Red, inflamed patches

• Recurrent flares

• Infected eczema

 

Why eczema treatments often fail

• Incorrect strength of steroid creams

• Poor maintenance treatment between flares

• Unrecognised triggers

• Inadequate moisturising routines

 

When should you see a dermatologist?

• Frequent flares despite treatment

• Severe itching affecting sleep

• Recurrent infections

• Eczema in children not improving

 

Treatment options I offer

• Personalised steroid and non-steroid treatment plans

• Identification of triggers

• Advanced treatments for severe eczema

• Long-term control strategies

 

FAQs

1. Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not infectious.
 

2. Why do steroid creams sometimes fail?
Incorrect strength, application frequency, or lack of maintenance therapy can reduce effectiveness.
 

3. Are steroid creams safe long-term?
Yes, if used correctly and monitored by a dermatologist, though constant use has been linked with side effects
 

4. Can eczema flare from diet?
Sometimes — triggers vary between patients.
 

5. When should a child see a specialist?
If eczema is severe, infected, or not responding to GP treatment.

​

6. Is eczema lifelong?
It can be, but it can controlled very successfully with treatments.

​

Book a consultation

If your eczema is not improving, you can book a consultation for expert assessment and a clear long-term plan.