Eczema and dermatitis treatment in Huntingdon.
Eczema and dermatitis are common, and the right daily routine often makes a real difference. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can look at your skin, give advice and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment — no GP referral required.
What are eczema and dermatitis?
Eczema and dermatitis are terms used for skin conditions that cause the skin to become dry, itchy and irritated. They can cause redness, soreness, flaking or cracked skin.
On darker skin, affected areas may look brown, purple, grey or darker than the surrounding skin.
Two common types are atopic eczema, which often comes and goes over time, and contact dermatitis, which develops when the skin reacts to something it touches. These conditions are not contagious.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
- Dry, itchy skin
- Redness or darker patches of skin
- Flaking or rough skin
- Mild swelling or soreness
- Small cracks in the skin, sometimes causing stinging
What causes eczema and dermatitis?
The cause depends on the type of skin condition.
Often linked to a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever.
Can be triggered by soaps, detergents, cleaning products or frequent contact with water.
Can occur after contact with substances such as fragrances, cosmetics, hair dye, metals or rubber.
Heat, cold weather, dry air, friction and stress may worsen symptoms. Sometimes the exact cause is not clear.
How can it be prevented?
A few everyday habits can help keep your skin comfortable and reduce flare-ups.
Apply a moisturiser every day, even when your skin looks better — this keeps the skin barrier healthy.
Use unperfumed moisturisers and gentle soap substitutes rather than fragranced soaps and detergents.
Wear gloves when handling cleaning products, and protect your hands from prolonged contact with water.
Keep cool and wear comfortable, breathable clothing.
Keep a note of possible triggers if flare-ups keep happening.
Avoid scratching where you can, and keep your nails short to limit damage to the skin.
When should someone seek medical help?
Most mild eczema and dermatitis can be managed with self-care, but some symptoms need further assessment.
Seek urgent medical advice
Get urgent help if the skin becomes rapidly worse, increasingly painful, hot or swollen, starts oozing or develops pus, or you feel feverish or generally unwell. A rapidly spreading rash or painful clusters of blisters, particularly in someone with eczema, needs urgent assessment. Contact NHS 111 or seek same-day medical advice.
- Skin that is rapidly worse, hot, swollen or oozing
- Pus, or feeling feverish or generally unwell
- A rapidly spreading rash or painful clusters of blisters
Contact your GP or pharmacist
Seek medical advice if:
- Symptoms are not improving with self-care
- Symptoms keep returning
- Symptoms interfere with sleep or daily activities
- You are unsure what is causing the rash — a GP may recommend different treatment or investigate a possible allergy
Remember: Mild eczema and dermatitis can often be managed with regular moisturising and avoiding triggers. If symptoms worsen, the skin looks infected or treatment is not helping, seek medical advice.
Read the NHS guide to atopic eczema Read the NHS guide to contact dermatitisCommon questions
Can a pharmacist help with eczema or dermatitis?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can look at the affected skin, advise on a daily moisturising routine and triggers, and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment such as emollients or a mild steroid cream.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema and dermatitis are not contagious — you cannot catch them from another person or pass them on.
How often should I moisturise?
Every day, even when your skin looks better. Regular moisturising keeps the skin barrier healthy and helps prevent flare-ups. Unperfumed products are usually best.
When should I see a GP instead?
If symptoms are not improving with self-care, keep returning, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or you are unsure what is causing the rash, a GP may recommend different treatment or investigate a possible allergy.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.
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Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.