Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about an eczema flare — video within 90 minutes. Steroid creams or infection treatment sent to your pharmacy if appropriate.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
Most flares can be assessed from photos and a video call. Prescription creams sent to your pharmacy.
For a closer look — particularly if we need to swab or assess possible infection. Same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP looks at your skin and asks about triggers, flare pattern and what you've tried. Video works well — photos help.
We set out the right combination of emollients, topical steroids and trigger avoidance for this flare.
If the eczema looks infected — oozing, crusted, not healing — we can prescribe antibiotics the same day.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long-term skin condition where the skin barrier doesn't hold moisture well and is easily irritated. Flares come and go — often triggered by something in the environment, by stress, or by an infection in the skin. Common flare triggers:
Eczema herpeticum (widespread painful blistering, often on top of existing eczema) needs urgent care — go to A&E or call 111.
A few other skin conditions can look like eczema. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
Yes. Your GP looks at the affected skin (in clinic or via clear photos on video), checks for signs of infection, and prescribes the right treatment — emollients, a steroid cream of appropriate strength, antihistamine for itch, or antibiotics if the skin has become infected.
Yes — if a steroid cream is the right treatment, the prescription is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy after the consultation. Your GP picks the strength based on where the flare is and how active it is, and explains how long to use it for so the flare settles without rebound.
Cracked, weeping, crusted or rapidly spreading eczema can mean a bacterial or viral infection on top of the flare. Your GP will identify the pattern and prescribe antibiotics or antivirals if needed — both sent same-day to your pharmacy. Don't put a steroid cream on infected skin without a GP review.
Most flares improve within 3–7 days of starting the right cream and avoiding triggers. A flare that's not improving after a week, getting worse despite treatment, or coming back as soon as you stop the cream needs review — your GP may step up the strength or look for an underlying trigger or infection.
A sudden new rash outside your usual eczema sites is worth a fresh look — it could be allergic, viral or fungal rather than eczema. Spots and pustules around hair follicles point to acne. A single hot, painful, spreading red spot is more likely an infected bite. Your GP works through the pattern in the appointment.
Eczema with fever, rapidly spreading redness, painful weeping skin, or eye involvement (especially around the eyelid) needs urgent review — book a same-day appointment, or for severe symptoms go to A&E.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Atopic eczema · NICE CKS Eczema — atopic