Atopic eczema (often called atopic dermatitis) is one of a group of related, inherited conditions that also includes asthma and hay fever. It can make the skin dry, itchy, red, broken and sore. It sometimes makes the skin darker or lighter for a while. People of all ages can get atopic eczema, but it usually starts in early childhood. It usually improves with age, but some people will have the condition into adulthood.

This guideline covers the management of atopic eczema in children from birth up to the age of  12 years, and provides guidance on diagnosis and assessment, management, and providing information and education for children and their parents and carers.

For your convenience we have provided the Clinical Guideline principal documents below. For a complete set of the CG57 documentation go to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence website. This guideline is due for review in December 2010.