Page title goes here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Eczema (eg-zuh-MUH) is the name for a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. There are seven different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. For lighter skin, eczema can present as red, inflamed skin. For darker skin tones, eczema can present as brown, purple, gray or ashen. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of eczema.

More than 31 million Americans have some form of eczema. Eczema can begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood — and it can range from mild to severe. Newborn babies can experience eczema within the first weeks and months after birth. Young children with eczema can experience patches of skin that are extremely dry; itchy skin that can lead to blisters and skin infections due to excessive scratching. Adults can also experience eczema and adult eczema is most commonly developed when someone is in their 20s or over the age of 50.

Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema (sometimes referred to as “atopic eczema”), results from an overactive immune system that causes the skin barrier to become dry and itchy. Eczema is not contagious. You can’t “catch it” from someone else. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people develop eczema because of an interaction between genes and environmental triggers.  Many people with eczema often report comorbid symptoms of hay fever, allergic asthma and food allergies. Proper, consistent skin care is essential in the prevention and management of eczema.

There is no “main” cause of eczema. In fact, there are seven types of eczema and each has at least one cause, if not more. Some of the most common causes are a family history of eczema, being exposed to certain environmental triggers and stress.

Overactive immune system: Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, results from an overactive immune system that causes the skin barrier to become dry and itchy. This condition can occur on any part of the body and has varied symptoms.

Genetics: There is also a potential genetic component to eczema that includes a protein called “filaggrin” that helps maintain moisture in your skin; a filaggrin deficiency can lead to drier, itchier skin. If you have family members with atopic dermatitis and certain other types of eczema, you may be at an increased risk.

Learn more about causes and triggers of eczema

The most important thing to remember is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone. Every individual’s skin care routine will also impact the affected areas of the skin differently. Your eczema may not look the same on you as it does on another adult or on your child. Different types of eczema may even appear in different affected areas of the body at different times.

Eczema almost always includes itchy skin. The scientific term for itch is “pruritus.” For many people, the itch can range from mild to moderate. Sometimes the itch gets so bad that people scratch it until it bleeds. This is called the “itch-scratch cycle.”

Symptoms of eczema often include:

• Itch
• Dryness, sensitive skin
• Inflamed, discolored skin
• Rough, leathery or scaly skin, appearing as scaly patches
• Oozing or crusting
• Areas of swelling

There are seven main types of eczema and it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between symptoms of atopic dermatitis and other types. In fact, many of the symptoms, causes and treatment options overlap. Here’s what you can generally expect from the most common types.

• Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, affects more than 9.6 million children and about 16.5 million adults in the United States alone. The hallmark symptom is itching, but the itching can cause other symptoms such as rashes, pain, and poor sleep caused by itching.
• Dyshidrotic eczema: Dyshidrotic eczema causes small blisters on the hands, feet and edges of the fingers and toes. This form of eczema is sometimes referred to as hand eczema or foot eczema, though other types can affect these areas too. The cause of this form is unknown, though it affects more men than women.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp. Those with this condition often experience a constant itch, a rash around the scalp, and other symptoms. Shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis are often a good treatment option.

Learn more about Types of Eczema

There is no known cure for eczema. But there are treatments, which can help you manage and/or minimize symptoms. To find the best treatment for you, talk with a dermatologist or qualified medical professional.

Depending on your age and severity of your eczema, treatments may include:

• Medical grade moisturizing creams
• Prescription topical medications, including topical corticosteroids
• Over-the-counter (OTC) home remedies
• Phototherapy (also known as light therapy)
• Immunosuppressants
• Injectable biologics

Learn more about treatment options

For most types of eczema, managing flares comes down to these basics:

• Know your triggers so that you can avoid exposure
• Implement a daily bathing and moisturizing routine
• Use over-the-counter creams and prescription medication consistently and as prescribed

Learn more about how to manage your eczema