Online Eczema & Dermatitis Consultations with Australian GPs

Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, dry and sensitive.

The most common type is atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). It often causes periods when the skin becomes worse, known as flares, followed by periods when symptoms improve.

Common symptoms include:

• Dry or flaky skin
• Itching
• Red or inflamed skin
• Rash
• Cracked or painful skin
• Thickened skin from repeated scratching
• Weeping or crusting during severe flares
• Skin that becomes more sensitive or irritated

Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, although the areas affected can vary with age.

What Causes Eczema?

There is no single cause of eczema.

A combination of genetic, immune-system and environmental factors can contribute to the condition.

People with eczema may have a weakened skin barrier, which can make the skin more susceptible to dryness and irritation.

Common factors that can trigger or worsen eczema include:

• Dry weather
• Hot weather and sweating
• Cold weather
• Soaps and detergents
• Fragrances
• Certain fabrics
• Stress
• Skin infections
• Allergens
• Excessive bathing or hot showers
• Scratching
• Irritating cosmetics or skincare products

Identifying your individual triggers can help reduce eczema flares.

What Does Eczema Look Like?

Eczema can look different from person to person.

Depending on the severity and stage of the flare, the skin may appear:

• Red
• Dry
• Scaly
• Cracked
• Swollen
• Thickened
• Irritated
• Weeping
• Crusted

On darker skin tones, eczema may appear brown, purple, grey or darker than the surrounding skin rather than bright red.

Because several skin conditions can resemble eczema, a GP assessment is useful when symptoms are new, unusual or persistent.

Is Eczema Contagious?

No. Eczema itself is not contagious.

You cannot catch eczema from another person through touching, sharing towels or close contact.

However, eczema can sometimes become infected, particularly when the skin is cracked or repeatedly scratched.

An infected eczema flare may require medical treatment.

Can a Telehealth GP Diagnose Eczema?

In many cases, a GP can assess eczema through telehealth.

During a NewTeleDoc Medical consultation, your GP may ask about:

• When the rash started
• Where the rash is located
• Whether it is itchy or painful
• Whether it is getting better or worse
• Previous episodes of eczema
• Possible triggers
• Skincare products you use
• Previous treatments
• Allergies
• Other medical conditions
• Whether there is discharge, crusting or other evidence of infection

You may be asked to show the affected skin during the video consultation or provide clear photographs if requested.

If the appearance is atypical or your GP is concerned about another skin condition, you may be advised to attend an in-person consultation.

How Is Eczema Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the eczema and the part of the body affected.

The main goals are to:

1. Restore the skin barrier.
2. Reduce inflammation.
3. Control itching.
4. Identify and avoid triggers.
5. Treat infections if they develop.
6. Prevent future flares.

Moisturisers and Emollients

Regular moisturising is one of the most important parts of eczema management.

Moisturisers help reduce dryness and support the skin barrier.

For eczema-prone skin:

• Use moisturiser regularly.
• Apply it after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp.
• Choose fragrance-free products where possible.
• Avoid products that sting or irritate your skin.
• Continue moisturising even when eczema improves.

Your GP or pharmacist can help you choose an appropriate product.

Steroid Creams for Eczema

Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation during eczema flares.

They can help reduce:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Inflammation

The strength and duration of treatment depend on factors such as the severity of the eczema and where it is located.

Do not use a strong steroid cream on the face, around the eyes or on sensitive areas unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

Your NewTeleDoc Medical GP can determine whether a topical corticosteroid is appropriate and explain how it should be used.

Can Eczema Be Treated Without Steroid Creams?

Sometimes.

Moisturisers and avoidance of triggers are important regardless of whether steroid treatment is used.

For some people, doctors may also consider other prescription treatments, particularly when eczema is persistent or affects sensitive areas.

Your GP can discuss the available options based on your individual circumstances.

Eczema in Children

Eczema is particularly common in babies and children.

Children may develop eczema on the:

• Face
• Cheeks
• Scalp
• Arms
• Legs
• Behind the knees
• Inside the elbows

Eczema can be particularly distressing for children because itching may interfere with sleep.

Parents should seek medical advice if a child's eczema is severe, persistent, infected or not responding to usual treatment.

How Can Parents Help a Child With Eczema?

Helpful measures may include:

• Regular moisturising
• Shorter, lukewarm baths or showers
• Avoiding strongly fragranced soaps
• Keeping fingernails short
• Avoiding overheating
• Using gentle clothing
• Identifying potential triggers
• Following the treatment plan provided by the child's doctor

If prescribed treatment is needed, your GP can explain how and where to apply it.

Can Eczema Become Infected?

Yes.

Repeated scratching and damaged skin can allow bacteria or viruses to enter the skin.

Signs that eczema may be infected include:

• Increasing redness
• Increasing pain
• Swelling
• Pus
• Yellow or honey-coloured crusting
• Fluid or weeping
• Fever
• Rapid worsening
• Feeling generally unwell

Some infections require prescription treatment.

If the eczema suddenly becomes painful, rapidly worsens or is associated with fever or significant illness, seek prompt medical assessment.

Eczema and Herpes Infection

People with eczema can rarely develop a serious viral skin infection called eczema herpeticum.

It can cause rapidly developing painful clusters of small blisters or sores, sometimes accompanied by fever or feeling very unwell.

This requires urgent medical assessment.

Do not wait for a routine telehealth appointment if you are concerned about rapidly spreading painful blisters, especially around the eyes or face.

When Should I See a GP About Eczema?

Consider booking a GP appointment if:

• Your eczema is persistent
• The itching is affecting your sleep
• The rash is spreading
• Your usual treatment is no longer working
• You are frequently experiencing flares
• You are unsure whether the rash is eczema
• Your skin is cracked or painful
• You suspect an infection
• Eczema is affecting your daily activities
• You need a review of your current treatment

A telehealth consultation can be a convenient first step for many uncomplicated cases.

When Is Eczema an Emergency?

Most eczema does not require emergency care.

However, seek urgent medical attention if you develop:

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
• Severe pain
• Fever with rapidly worsening skin symptoms
• Significant facial or eye swelling
• Rapidly spreading blisters or painful sores
• Confusion or severe illness
• Difficulty breathing associated with a severe allergic reaction

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.

How NewTeleDoc Medical Can Help With Eczema

A NewTeleDoc Medical telehealth GP consultation can provide a convenient and private way to discuss eczema from home.

During your consultation, your GP can:

• Assess your skin symptoms
• Discuss possible eczema triggers
• Review previous treatments
• Recommend appropriate skincare
• Prescribe eczema treatment when clinically appropriate
• Discuss topical corticosteroid treatment when appropriate
• Assess whether the rash may be infected
• Recommend an in-person examination when necessary
• Arrange further investigation or specialist referral when appropriate
• Provide a medical certificate when clinically appropriate
• Arrange follow-up if required

If your GP believes that the skin needs to be physically examined, you will be advised to seek appropriate in-person care.

How to Prepare for Your Telehealth Eczema Appointment

Before your NewTeleDoc Medical appointment, it can help to have:

1. The date your rash started.
2. Photos showing how the rash has changed, if available.
3. A list of creams or treatments you have already tried.
4. Information about any known allergies.
5. A list of your regular medications.
6. Details of possible triggers.
7. Information about whether the rash is itchy, painful or both.
8. Details of any discharge, crusting or fever.
9. Information about previous eczema flares.
10. Any previous diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or dermatologist.

Taking clear photographs in good lighting can also help your GP assess the appearance of the skin during a telehealth consultation.

Book a Telehealth GP Appointment for Eczema

If you or your child is experiencing itchy, dry, inflamed or irritated skin, NewTeleDoc Medical can provide a convenient telehealth GP consultation from the comfort of your home.

Your GP can assess your symptoms, discuss possible triggers and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. If an in-person skin examination is required, your GP can advise you on the next step.

Book your NewTeleDoc Medical telehealth appointment today and speak with a GP from home.

Important Medical Information

This article provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.

Not every itchy or inflamed rash is eczema. Other skin conditions can have similar symptoms and may require different treatment.

If your skin is rapidly worsening, very painful, blistering or associated with fever or significant illness, seek prompt medical attention.