Cover -- The Charter for People with Eczema -- Introduction -- 1 What is eczema? -- What happens in the skin? -- Why does it itch? -- Facts and figures -- What if it isn't eczema? -- 2 What causes eczema? -- Inheritance and allergy -- Are house dust mites involved? -- Is diet important? -- Are there any tests? -- Allergy problems -- Food and oral medication -- Miscellaneous -- 3 Complications and what can make eczema worse -- Complications -- Bacterial infection -- Eczema herpeticum, warts and molluscum -- It can be serious -- What can make eczema worse? -- 4 First-line treatment -- Topical treatments -- Moisturisers and emollients -- Steroids -- Managing eczema in troublesome areas -- The face -- The genital area -- The feet and hands -- The scalp -- Chronic eczema - approaches to therapy -- Bandaging -- Psychological aspects -- Scarring -- 5 Second-line treatment of eczema -- Coping with infection -- Treatment in hospital -- Phototherapy (ultraviolet light treatment) -- Treatment taken by mouth -- 6 Complementary therapies -- Choosing a safe practitioner -- Aromatherapy -- Reflexology -- Chinese herbs -- Other herbal treatment -- Homeopathy -- Acupuncture -- Hypnotherapy -- Conclusion -- 7 Feelings, family and friends -- Emotional aspects -- Friends and relationships -- Family conflict -- Home life and routine -- 8 School -- Informing the school -- Coping with irritation -- Swimming and other sport -- Statement of Special Educational Needs -- Exams -- 9 Social life and holidays -- Sporting activities -- Make-up and hairstyle -- Computers -- Visiting friends -- Holidays -- 10 Eczema through the ages -- Immunisation -- School-age children -- Teenagers -- Work and careers -- Relationships -- Hormonal changes - sex, periods, pregnancy and the menopause -- The elderly -- 11 Practical concerns -- Financial considerations -- Washing clothes.

Miscellaneous -- Research -- Glossary -- Appendix 1 Useful addresses -- Appendix 2 Useful publications -- Index.