What is atopic dermatitis (eczema)?
"Derm" within a word means it has to do with the skin. "Itis" means inflammation. So dermatitis is inflamed skin.
Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a long-term type of dermatitis that usually runs in families. It causes a patchy rash that makes your skin itchy, red, scaly, and dry.
Eczema is very common, especially in children—most people get it before age 5
It's more common in people who have food allergies Food Allergy An allergy is when your body's immune system reacts to something harmless, such as food, plants, or medicine. Food allergy is an allergic reaction caused by a certain food. Almost any food can... read more , hay fever Seasonal Allergy An allergy is when your body's immune system reacts to something harmless, such as food, plants, or medicine. Seasonal allergies are allergies that happen only during the time of year when a... read more , or asthma Asthma Asthma is a condition in which the breathing passages (airways) in your lungs get narrow. When the airways are narrow, it's hard to breathe. Breathing often makes a squeaky musical sound called... read more
and usually runs in familiesIt's treated with medicines put on the skin and by avoiding things that make it worse
Eczema usually goes away or gets better as you get older
What causes eczema?
Doctors don’t know what causes eczema, but it runs in families.
People who have asthma Asthma Asthma is a condition in which the breathing passages (airways) in your lungs get narrow. When the airways are narrow, it's hard to breathe. Breathing often makes a squeaky musical sound called... read more , hay fever Seasonal Allergy An allergy is when your body's immune system reacts to something harmless, such as food, plants, or medicine. Seasonal allergies are allergies that happen only during the time of year when a... read more , or food allergies Food Allergy An allergy is when your body's immune system reacts to something harmless, such as food, plants, or medicine. Food allergy is an allergic reaction caused by a certain food. Almost any food can... read more have a higher chance of having eczema. Eczema can’t be spread from person to person.
Many things can trigger your eczema or make it worse:
Stress
Changes in temperature or humidity
Skin infections from bacteria
Dust mites, molds, and dander
Some kinds of makeup
Clothes that rub on your skin, especially wool
For babies, sometimes food allergies
What are the symptoms of eczema?
The symptoms of eczema are different for babies compared to children and adults.
For babies with eczema, the rash:
Is red, oozing, crusty, and itchy
Starts on the face and spreads to their neck, scalp, hands, arms, feet, and legs
Can cover large areas of their bodies
May last for several months before improving
For children and adults with eczema, the rash:
Itches a lot
Usually shows up in only one or a few spots, especially your hands, upper arms, in front of your elbows, behind your knees or around your eye
Can flare up again and again, usually in the same places
If you have eczema, your skin may get thick where you scratch it a lot. Scratching your open skin can lead to infections.
How can doctors tell if I have eczema?
Doctors can diagnose eczema by looking at the rash and asking you about your personal and family health history.
How do doctors treat eczema?
Doctors can’t cure eczema, but to help with your symptoms, they may suggest that you:
Apply medicines, such as corticosteroid and other creams, to lessen itching and heal your skin
Keep your skin moist with cool water compresses, lotions, petroleum jelly, or vegetable oil after baths or showers
Take a bath or shower only once a day to keep your skin from getting dry
Take a bath in water with a small amount of bleach, colloidal oatmeal (a product made of finely ground oatmeal), or tar medicine
Blot your skin dry after a bath or shower instead of rubbing it dry
If your eczema is severe, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid pills or other medicines that slow down your immune system.
If you're an adult, your doctor may try phototherapy. With phototherapy your skin is exposed to a special ultraviolet light (similar to lights used for tanning). Doctors usually don't use phototherapy on children or adolescents with eczema.
How can I prevent eczema from getting worse?
To help prevent eczema from getting worse:
Avoid scratching
Use moisturizers to keep your skin from getting dry
Avoid things that irritate your skin
Avoid foods that you’re allergic to
Avoid sweating and very hot or cold temperatures
Wear light cotton clothes and avoid wool and other rough fabrics
Use a humidifier in the house to keep the air moist
Try to lower your emotional stress
