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 is not known. 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 Start Here Atopic Dermatitis National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis American Academy of Family Physicians Red, Itchy Rash? Get the Skinny on Dermatitis National Institutes of Health What Is Atopic Dermatitis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Array Atopic dermatitis — self-care Atopic eczema Dyshidrotic eczema Nummular eczema Seborrheic dermatitis Prevention and Risk Factors Causes and Triggers National Eczema Association for Science and Education Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Causes National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Dermatitis National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Dermatitis, Atopic National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Eczema National Institutes of Health Children Eczema American Academy of Pediatrics Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in Children Logical Images Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in Infants Logical Images Eczema (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Eek! It’s Eczema! Nemours Foundation Teenagers Eczema Nemours Foundation Related Issues Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Complications National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Traditional Smallpox Vaccines and Atopic Dermatitis National Eczema Association for Science and Education Diagnosis and Tests Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Diagnosis National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Images Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in Adults Logical Images Nummular Dermatitis Logical Images Symptoms Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Symptoms National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Treatments and Therapies Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)Treatment National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Encyclopedia Exfoliative dermatitis Keratosis pilaris Genetics Genetics Home Reference: 2q37 deletion syndrome National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: atopic dermatitis National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: Netherton syndrome National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome National Library of Medicine Statistics and Research Investigating the Causes of Chronic Itch: New Advances Could Bring Relief National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Protein Linked to Atopic Dermatitis National Institutes of Health Specifics Nummular Dermatitis (Discoid Eczema) American Academy of Dermatology Seborrheic Dermatitis American Academy of Dermatology Types of Eczema (Dermatitis) American Academy of Dermatology Journal Articles Eczema Health Check Tools Skin Allergy Quiz American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Latest News ‘Hard’ Tap Water Linked to Eczema in Babies HealthDay
