Eczema Basics: What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with eczema — or you’re a veteran looking to brush up on the basics — here are some key facts you should know about this skin condition.

Eczema 101

• Eczema is the name for a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. The word “eczema” is derived from the Greek word “ekzein” meaning “to boil over.”
• There are seven types of eczema, each with its own set of symptoms, including: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis
• Eczema is an umbrella term often used interchangeably to describe various types of eczema.
• The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Some factors may include a weakened skin barrier (the outer protective layer of skin), an overactive immune system that leads to inflammation, environmental triggers or genetics.
• Eczema is common – 1 in 10 people will experience eczema at some point in their lives.
• Eczema is a chronic disease that can last your entire life.

4 common misconceptions about eczema

1. Misconception: Eczema is contagious.

Fact: Eczema is not contagious. You can’t “catch” this skin disease the way you might catch the common cold or chicken pox.

2. Misconception: There is a cure for eczema.

Fact: There is no single treatment that can cure eczema. There are many ways to treat and manage eczema.

3. Misconception: Eczema is just a rash.

Fact: This skin disease can lead to many other health issues. People with eczema are more likely to have asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), food allergies, infections, depression, anxiety, sleep disruption and heart disease.

4. Misconception: Eczema only affects children.

Fact: You can get eczema at any time in your life. Most people first experience symptoms of eczema in their youth. Babies can be diagnosed with eczema as early as 6 weeks old. However, people in their 60s and 70s can also get eczema for the first time.

5 things you should do after receiving an eczema diagnosis

1. Assemble your medical dream team

Find healthcare professionals who have a deep knowledge of treating eczema specifically. Try to find providers who make you feel comfortable and who listen to your symptoms. Shared decision making between patients and providers have been linked to better outcomes for patients. This means you’re able to have a conversation with your provider, a shared dialogue in which you’re able to communicate your own lived experience with the condition, and talk through the best treatment options for you. Many medical support teams include your: primary care provider (pediatrician for kids), dermatologist, allergist and a medical health professional. If you need help finding a dermatologist with expertise in eczema, use the eczema provider finder on the National Eczema Association’s website.

2. Identify your triggers

For many people new to eczema, the search begins immediately to identify your triggers. These are the factors in your body and environment that spur your eczema into a state of agitation (commonly referred to as a flare or flare-up). For some people, identifying triggers is easy; for others, the process of identifying what causes your skin to flare can take more time, even years of trial and error. The hardest part is that it’s different for everyone — no two cases of eczema are alike.

3. Moisturize often

No matter what your triggers are it is important to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Eczema wreaks havoc on your body when your skin becomes excessively dried out. To combat this, each individual with eczema typically develops their own daily skincare routine to moisturize as often and as much as their skin needs. If you need help finding moisturizers that are deemed suitable for people with eczema or sensitive skin, check out the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™ Product Directory.

4. Try to be patient

Trying to figure out how to manage your eczema — or your child’s eczema — is a marathon, not a sprint. The chronic nature of the disease may include many years of symptom-free life, followed by unexpected weeks of flaring skin. Caring for loved ones with eczema can be challenging because it can feel like it’s all consuming. This is normal. And there is support for you and your loved ones.

5. Find support and community

The National Eczema Association is here for you. We have an entire community of people with eczema and their caregivers ready to share their insights and experiences. Learn about treatment options, get tips from healthcare providers and find personal stories from others living with eczema at NationalEczema.org. Plus, find us on social media at @NationalEczema.