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.
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Eczema is very common, especially in children—most people get it before age 5
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It's more common in people who have food allergies, hay fever, or asthma and usually runs in families
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It's treated with medicines put on the skin and by avoiding things that make it worse
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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, hay fever, or food allergies 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:
What are the symptoms of eczema?
How can doctors tell if I have eczema?
How do doctors treat eczema?
Doctors can’t cure eczema, but to help with your symptoms, they may suggest that you:
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Apply medicines, such as corticosteroid and other creams to lessen itching and heal your skin
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Keep your skin moist with cool water compresses, lotions, petroleum jelly, or vegetable oil after baths or showers
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Take a bath or shower only once a day to keep your skin from getting dry
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Take a bath in water with a small amount of bleach, colloidal oatmeal (a product made of finely ground oatmeal), or tar medicine
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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:
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Avoid scratching
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Use moisturizers to keep your skin from getting dry
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Avoid things that irritate your skin
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Avoid foods that you’re allergic to
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Avoid sweating and very hot or cold temperatures
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Wear light cotton clothes and avoid wool and other rough fabrics
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Use a humidifier in the house to keep the air moist
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Try to lower your emotional stress
