A cure for eczema may finally be on the horizon, after scientists discovered what is triggering the debilitating skin condition.

Around one in 10 adults and 20 per cent of children in Britain suffer from eczema, a complaint which causes the skin to become, itchy, red, cracked and painful.

Until now, doctors have only been able to treat the symptoms, but Newcastle University has found that a missing protein called filaggrin is responsible.