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Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that leads to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is most common in young children but can affect people of any age. The condition tends to flare periodically and can be uncomfortable, though it is not contagious.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms can occur anywhere and vary, commonly including:
● Dry skin.
● Thickened skin.
● Itchiness (pruritus).
● Swelling.
● Itchy skin.
● Skin rash.
● Crusting or oozing.
● Thickened, scaly skin from repeated scratching.
There are several types of eczema. That are:
Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic, itchy inflammatory skin condition that often begins in childhood. It’s linked to a weakened skin barrier and immune system and may run in families with allergies or asthma.
Contact Dermatitis: Skin irritation or allergic reaction that happens after touching substances like soaps, metals, fragrances, or chemicals. It typically appears only where the skin was exposed.
Dyshidrotic Eczema: Causes intensely itchy small blisters on the palms, fingers, and soles of the feet. Flares can be triggered by stress, sweating, or exposure to irritants.
Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus): Starts as a localized itchy patch that becomes thickened and leathery from repeated scratching. Stress and itch-scratch cycles often make it persist.
Nummular Eczema: Characterized by round or coin‑shaped itchy patches. It often occurs after skin injuries, can ooze or crust, and is more common in dry skin or winter weather
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Affects oily, high‑sebum areas like the scalp, face, or chest, causing red, flaky, and often dandruff‑like patches. Yeast overgrowth and oil production play a role.
Several factors cause eczema, including:
Genetics: A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies increases risk.
Immune System Dysfunction: An overactive immune response can trigger skin inflammation.
Environmental Factors: Things in your surroundings can irritate your skin, such as smoke, pollution, harsh soaps, certain fabrics, or skincare products. Dry air can make skin itchy, while heat and humidity can worsen symptoms through sweating.
Skin Barrier Defects: When the skin’s protective barrier is weak or damaged, it loses moisture more easily and becomes dry, sensitive, and more vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and infections. This makes the skin prone to redness, itching, and flare-ups, which are common in conditions like eczema.
Eczema (especially atopic dermatitis) is diagnosed based on current medical guidance:
Common risk factors include:
Family History: If you have relatives with eczema, allergies, or asthma, you may be more likely to develop eczema yourself.
Dry Or Sensitive Skin: Skin that easily loses moisture is more vulnerable to irritation and flare-ups.
Immune System Issues: An overactive immune system can trigger inflammation, making the skin more prone to eczema.
Environmental Triggers: Contact with irritants such as harsh soaps, certain fabrics, pollution, or extreme weather can provoke eczema symptoms.
Stress And Emotional Factors: High levels of stress, anxiety, or emotional strain can worsen eczema and increase flare-ups.
Common Treatments Include:
Medication: Eczema medications include topical treatments like corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors to reduce itching and repair the skin, antibiotics for infections, and oral anti-inflammatory drugs for severe cases. For moderate to severe eczema that doesn’t respond to other treatments, biologics such as dupilumab and tralokinumab can be effective and safe options.
Therapies: Eczema therapies include wet dressings, where corticosteroid ointments are applied and sealed with gauze for severe cases, sometimes under medical supervision. Light therapy (phototherapy) uses controlled sunlight or UV light to treat persistent eczema but carries risks like skin aging and cancer. Counseling can help manage emotional stress from the condition, while relaxation, behavior modification, and biofeedback may reduce habitual scratching.
Baby Eczema: Treatment for infant eczema focuses on avoiding irritants and extreme temperatures, giving short warm baths, and applying moisturizer while the skin is damp. If the rash persists or becomes infected, a doctor may prescribe medication or an oral antihistamine to reduce itching, especially at night.
