Eczema

Summary

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more.

Eczema is not contagious. The cause of eczema is unknown. It is likely caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Eczema may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop hay fever and asthma.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It is most common in babies and children, but adults can have it too. As children who have atopic dermatitis grow older, this problem may get better or go away. But sometimes the skin may stay dry and get irritated easily.

Treatments may include medicines, skin creams, light therapy, and good skin care. You can prevent some types of eczema by avoiding:

• Things that irritate your skin, such as certain soaps, fabrics, and lotions
• Stress
• Things you are allergic to, such as food, pollen, and animals

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Find an Expert

• American Academy of Dermatology American Academy of Dermatology
• Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology
• Find an Allergist/Immunologist American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Patient Handouts

• Atopic dermatitis Medical Encyclopedia
• Atopic dermatitis – children – homecare Medical Encyclopedia
• Atopic dermatitis – self-care Medical Encyclopedia
• Nummular eczema Medical Encyclopedia
• Pompholyx eczema Medical Encyclopedia
• Seborrheic dermatitis Medical Encyclopedia

Start Here

• Atopic Dermatitis National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
• Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis American Academy of Family Physicians
• Rash Decisions: How to Deal With Itchy, Red Skin National Institutes of Health

Genetics

• Atopic dermatitis: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Statistics and Research

• Bacteria Treatment Improves Children’s Eczema National Institutes of Health
• Protein Linked to Atopic Dermatitis National Institutes of Health

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Dermatitis National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Dermatitis, Atopic National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Eczema National Institutes of Health

Specifics

• Dyshidrosis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Nummular Dermatitis Merck & Co., Inc.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis Overview American Academy of Dermatology

Teenagers

• Eczema Nemours Foundation

Children

• Eczema American Academy of Pediatrics
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in Children VisualDX
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in Infants VisualDX

Images

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in Adults VisualDX
• Nummular Dermatitis VisualDX

Treatments and Therapies

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Treatment National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

• Eczema and the Cold

Encyclopedia

• Erythroderma Medical Encyclopedia
• Keratosis pilaris Medical Encyclopedia

Journal Articles

• Eczema

Games

• Skin Allergy Quiz American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology