Eczema
Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that cause skin to become rough and inflamed. Each type of eczema has different triggers, symptoms, and treatments. Eczema of any type is usually itchy. Symptoms range from mild to severe.
Eczema is not spread from person to person (is not contagious). It can appear on different parts of the body at different times. One person’s eczema may look different from another person’s eczema.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. However, exposure to certain environmental factors, irritants, and allergens can make the condition worse.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Contact dermatitis. There are two kinds:
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Irritant contact dermatitis. This happens when something irritates the skin and causes a rash.
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Allergic contact dermatitis. This happens when your skin comes in contact with something you are allergic to (allergens). This can include poison ivy, chemicals, or medicines that were applied to your skin.
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Atopic dermatitis. This is a long-term (chronic) skin disease that keeps coming back (recurring). It is the most common type of eczema. Usual symptoms are a red rash and itchy, dry, scaly skin. It usually starts showing signs in infancy and can last through adulthood.
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Dyshidrotic eczema. This is a form of eczema on the hands and feet. It shows up as very itchy, fluid-filled blisters. It can affect people of any age but is more common before age 40.
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Hand eczema. This causes very itchy areas of skin on the palms and sides of the hands and fingers. This type of eczema is common in industrial jobs where you may be exposed to different types of irritants.
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Lichen simplex chronicus. This type of eczema occurs when a person constantly scratches one area of the body. Repeated scratching of the area leads to thickened skin (lichenification). This condition can accompany other types of eczema. It is more common in adults but may also be seen in children.
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Nummular eczema. This is a common type of eczema that most often affects the lower legs and the backs of the hands. It typically causes an itchy, red, circular, crusty lesion (plaque). Scratching may become a habit and can cause bleeding. Nummular eczema occurs most often in middle-aged or older people.
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Seborrheic dermatitis. This is a common skin disease that mainly affects the scalp. It may also affect other oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest. It is marked by small scaling and redness of the skin (erythema). This can affect people of all ages. In infants, this condition is called cradle cap.
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Stasis dermatitis. This is a common skin disease that can cause itching, scaling, and hyperpigmentation, usually on the legs and feet. It occurs most often in people who have a condition that prevents blood from being pumped through the veins in the legs (chronic venous insufficiency). Stasis dermatitis is a chronic condition that needs long-term management.
How is this diagnosed?
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A physical exam of your skin.
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Your medical history.
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Skin patch tests. These tests involve using patches that contain possible allergens and placing them on your back. Your health care provider will check in a few days to see if an allergic reaction occurred.
How is this treated?
Treatment for eczema is based on the type of eczema you have. You may be given hydrocortisone steroid medicine or antihistamines. These can relieve itching quickly and help reduce inflammation. These may be prescribed or purchased over the counter, depending on the strength that is needed.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Use creams or ointments to moisturize your skin. Do not use lotions.
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Learn what triggers or irritates your symptoms so you can avoid these things.
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Treat symptom flare-ups quickly.
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Do not scratch your skin. This can make your rash worse.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Where to find more information
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American Academy of Dermatology:aad.org
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National Eczema Association: nationaleczema.org
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The Society for Pediatric Dermatology: pedsderm.net
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have severe itching, even with treatment.
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You scratch your skin regularly until it bleeds.
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Your rash looks different than usual.
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Your skin is painful, swollen, or more red than usual.
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You have a fever.
Summary
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Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that cause skin to become rough and inflamed. Each type has different triggers.
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Eczema of any type causes itching that may range from mild to severe.
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Treatment varies based on the type of eczema you have. Hydrocortisone steroid medicine or antihistamines can help with itching and inflammation.
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Protecting your skin is the best way to prevent eczema. Use creams or ointments to moisturize your skin. Avoid triggers and irritants. Treat flare-ups quickly.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
