Eczema
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eczema atopic dermatitis National Eczema Association overview symptoms treatment
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"atopic dermatitis"[MeSH Terms]
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Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause dry, itchy, inflamed skin. The most common type is atopic dermatitis. It often comes and goes in flares and is related to a weakened skin barrier plus immune, genetic, and environmental factors. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology, notes atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial allergic skin disease (p. 212).
Common signs
- Itching, sometimes severe
- Dry, scaly, cracked skin
- Redness, or gray-brown/purple discoloration depending on skin tone
- Oozing or crusting during a flare
- Common areas: hands, face, neck, elbow creases, behind knees
Basic care
- Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer at least twice daily, especially immediately after a short lukewarm bath or shower.
- Avoid fragranced soaps, harsh detergents, hot water, wool, and known personal triggers.
- During flares, a clinician may recommend a topical anti-inflammatory treatment, often a topical corticosteroid, chosen by body site and severity.
- Avoid scratching as much as possible. Keep nails short; cool compresses can help itch.
Eczema can also be contact dermatitis, triggered by an irritant or allergy such as fragrances, nickel, hair dye, cleaning chemicals, or certain plants. The National Eczema Association overview describes the major forms and their typical patterns.
Get medical care promptly if skin becomes painful, warm, rapidly spreading, pus-filled, honey-crusted, or is accompanied by fever, as this can indicate infection. Seek care too if eczema is widespread, disrupts sleep, affects the eyes, or does not improve with basic measures.
Do you mean eczema in a child or adult, and where on the body is it?
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