Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes patches of dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is also called atopic dermatitis. The condition affects people of all ages but often begins in childhood. Eczema occurs when the skin barrier becomes weak, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter.

When you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to certain triggers. This causes inflammation in the skin. The result is red, scaly patches that can crack, weep, or bleed. Eczema is not contagious. You cannot catch it from another person.

Many people with eczema also have allergies or asthma. This connection suggests that the immune system plays a central role. The condition tends to flare up and then improve in cycles. Understanding your personal triggers can help you manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

• Dry, sensitive skin that feels rough or scaly
• Intense itching, especially at night
• Red or brownish patches, often on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, or face
• Small raised bumps that may leak fluid when scratched
• Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin from repeated scratching
• Raw, swollen, or painful skin from constant irritation
• Darkening of the skin around the eyes from rubbing

Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience mild dryness, while others have severe itching that disrupts sleep. Infants often develop eczema on the face and scalp. In adults, it commonly appears in the creases of elbows and knees.

Eczema develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If your parents had eczema, allergies, or asthma, you have a higher risk. The condition occurs when your skin cannot retain moisture properly. Certain gene variations affect proteins that maintain the skin barrier. When this barrier is weak, irritants and allergens can penetrate more easily.

Common triggers include harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, wool fabrics, extreme temperatures, stress, and sweat. Food allergies or sensitivities can also cause flare-ups in some people. Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and cockroach droppings may worsen symptoms. Identifying and avoiding your specific triggers is key to managing the condition.

Doctors diagnose eczema by examining your skin and asking about your symptoms and medical history. There is no single test that confirms eczema. However, your doctor may recommend allergy testing to identify potential triggers. Skin prick tests or blood tests can detect allergic reactions to foods, environmental allergens, or other substances.

Blood tests that measure antibodies to specific allergens may help identify triggers for your flare-ups. These include tests for food-specific IgG antibodies and environmental allergens. Talk to a doctor about whether allergy testing could help you understand your eczema better. They can guide you toward the right tests based on your symptoms and history.

• Moisturize your skin multiple times daily with fragrance-free creams or ointments
• Take short, lukewarm baths or showers and avoid hot water
• Use gentle, unscented soaps and detergents
• Identify and avoid your personal triggers, including certain foods or allergens
• Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wool or synthetic materials
• Apply topical corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation during flare-ups
• Use topical calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas like the face
• Take antihistamines to reduce itching, especially at night
• Try wet wrap therapy to soothe severe flare-ups
• Consider phototherapy or biologic medications for severe cases
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy
• Keep fingernails short to minimize damage from scratching