There is no single cause of atopic eczema. Instead, many factors play a part. For example, genes have a role. Research shows that a child whose parents both have atopic eczema has an 80 per cent chance of having the condition themselves, with 60 per cent affected if only one parent has eczema. Children whose parents have the condition are also more likely to experience symptoms earlier and to have symptoms that are more severe. 

In all cases, identifying triggers that can be modified or avoided can make a significant difference to symptoms:

• Food triggers – most commonly cows’ milk and eggs – are associated with atopic eczema
• Hormonal changes can influence the severity of symptoms. For instance, premenstrual flare-ups occur in 30 per cent of women, with up to 50 per cent noticing a worsening during pregnancy
• Perfumed products such as soaps and bubble baths
• Temperature changes, including particularly hot or cold weather
• Other triggers include stress, and exposure to pets, house dust mites and pollen.