This comprehensive series of patient information books about various health problems and disabilities is aimed at children, their parents, carers and teachers, and without exception the information is well produced and clearly written. In this book we meet Helen who has eczema, the atopic sort, which is the most common. She has inherited the problem from her mother and grandfather, so there is no doubt of the diagnosis. She tells us how eczema affects her at home and at school and describes in some detail what the outbreaks look like, that they can lead to bleeding and weeping of the skin, and that the itching can make her feel hot all over. We learn lots about the triggers that can make eczema worse, such as soaps and detergents, over-heating, animals, food, clothes, dust, and stress. Infections happen because when one scratches the terrible itching, germs can get into the sore. We also hear about creams and lotions and ointments, and the importance of using emolliants for washing hands and in the bath. Despite her problems with eczema, Helen enjoys ballet and Sea Scouts, and swims even though chlorine makes her itch. Her life is happy and normal, and the various treatments she must undergo are described as rather normal to her. Her friends come for sleepovers and see how she must handle her skin with great care, leading to greater understanding. There are short sections on how friends and family can help, on how schools can help, and also on facts about the condition which could help make up a project. A number of new treatments are described in some detail, and we also learn about related health conditions such as asthma and hay fever. A good list of useful organisations is included from the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia, and there is a short but interesting list of books for children and adults. This is a really interesting, truthful and accurate picture of life with eczema, and will be useful for all who suffer from this very uncomfortable condition. Available from good bookshops, from Amazon, and from the publisher: www.jkp.com.