Loading icon
Health Information Center

Eczema

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Eczema

(Atopic Dermatitis)

Definition

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin. It is marked by areas of itchy and red skin. Eczema may be ongoing or happen in flare ups when symptoms get worse for a time.

Causes

It is not clear what causes the inflammation to happen. Things that may play a role include:

Risk Factors

Things that may increase the risk of eczema are:

  • Having asthma or allergies
  • Living in city or places with low humidity
  • Eczema or allergies in family members
  • Regular contact with things that irritate the skin such as:
    • Fabrics
    • Perfumes in soaps
    • Dust mites (common)
    • Rubber gloves for people sensitive to latex
  • Stress—scratching can be a habit with stress
  • Scratching or rubbing of skin, or washing the area often
  • Medicine that lowers the immune system
  • Excess weight or obesity

Symptoms

Eczema may cause some of the following:

  • Dry, itchy skin (very common)
  • Red rashes on the cheeks, arms, and legs
  • Red, scaly skin
  • Thick, leathery skin
  • Small, raised bumps on the skin
  • Crusting, oozing, or cracking of the skin

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is often made based on how the skin looks. Tests may be done to rule out other problems or to look for an infection.

Treatment

Eczema cannot be cured. The goal of treatment is to ease itching and redness. It is also to reduce the number of flare ups.

Treatment to ease symptoms may include:

Prevention

There are no steps to prevent eczema. Flare ups may be prevented through steps above.

RESOURCES:

  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

    https://www.aaaai.org

  • National Eczema Association

    https://nationaleczema.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

  • Canadian Dermatology Association

    https://www.dermatology.ca

  • Health Canada

    https://www.canada.ca

  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

    https://www.aaaai.org

  • National Eczema Association

    https://nationaleczema.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

  • Canadian Dermatology Association

    https://www.dermatology.ca

  • Health Canada

    https://www.canada.ca

References

  • Atopic dermatitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/atopic-dermatitis. Accessed May 25, 2022.
  • Atopic dermatitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis. Accessed May 25, 2022.
  • Eczema and atopic dermatitis. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/eczema-and-atopic-dermatitis. Accessed May 25, 2022.
  • What exactly is eczema? American Academy of Dermatology Association website. Available at:https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema. Accessed May 25, 2022.
  • 7/14/2017 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/condition/atopic-dermatitis: Blauvelt A, deBruin-Weller M, et al. Long-term management of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis with dupilumab and cocomitant topical corticosteroids (LIBERTY AND CHRONOS): a 1-year, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2017;389(10086):2287-2303.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.