The type of eczema that affects people of an allergic disposition is called either atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis.

People with atopic eczema are far more susceptible to everyday irritants such as soap, traces of detergent left behind in clothes, wool and synthetic fabrics. Chlorinated water, either in swimming pools or from the tap, can also aggravate the skin.

Some pollutants such as fumes from traffic, gas cookers, formaldehyde from textiles, chipboard and MDFalso play a part in atopic eczema.

Other things which can irritate the skin and make atopic eczema flare up include:

- cold weather
- dry air
- clothes or shoes which trap sweat
- dust mites
- tobacco smoke
- solvents and chemicals in the home or workplace
- skin contact with fruit (especially citrus), vegetables, and sometimes other foods.

Our AllergyBestBuys team has looked at products from around the world to tackle these problems.

Their carefully chosen range of recommended products is listed below: