It’s also known as dermatitis (skin inflammation), atopic eczema (“atopic” means a genetic tendency toward allergic hypersensitivity), or simply atopic dermatitis. In fact, the word “eczema” is often used interchangeably with “atopic dermatitis,” though clinically speaking, atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
Contact Eczema (Contact Dermatitis)
Nummular Eczema
Stasis Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Learn More About Types of Eczema In addition, skin lesions and blotches may develop on the wrists, ankles, sides of the neck, or around the mouth. For most people, the main symptom of eczema is itching, which can lead to scratching and rubbing that further irritates the skin. This can, in turn, lead to the “itch-scratch cycle” or increased itching and scratching that worsens eczema symptoms. Other skin symptoms associated with eczema include:
Rough, leathery patches of skinRed, raised bumps (hives)Increased skin creases on the palms of the handsSmall, rough bumps on the face, upper arms, and thighsScaly skin patchesSwollen, sore skinSkin color changes
Learn More About Signs and Symptoms of Eczema It’s not clear what causes certain people to develop eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis. Children are more likely to develop eczema if other allergic diseases — such as hay fever and asthma — run in the family, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the condition. Read more about conditions related to eczema below. Though dermatologists don’t necessarily consider eczema an autoimmune disorder, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are thought to be the result of an immune system overreaction or dysfunction. In addition to genetic and immune system factors, environmental factors also play a role in worsening or triggering eczema.
Soaps, detergents, shampoos, and dishwashing liquidsBubble bath liquidsDust or sandCigarette smokePerfumes, and skin-care products that contain fragrances or alcoholWool or synthetic fabricsChemicals, solvents, and mineral oilsMoldPollenPet danderAllergenic foods (such as peanuts, soy, and eggs)Dust mitesA hot or dry climateHigh or low humidityBacterial, viral, or fungal infections
In some cases, eczema symptoms are confused with insect bites or allergic reactions. Learn More About Eczema Causes and Risk Factors They may perform a skin biopsy (remove a skin sample for examination) to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
Prognosis of Eczema
But about one-half of adults with atopic dermatitis had it as a child. Medication, moisturizers, and at-home skin-care routines make up an effective treatment plan for many people who live with eczema.
Medication Options
Corticosteroids (ointments, creams, or lotions) that include drugs such as 0.1 percent fluocinonide cream (Vanos), and come in varying degrees of strengthCalcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), like tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)The PDE4 inhibitor crisaborole (Eucrisa)The JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib (Opzelura)
For moderate and severe disease, treatments include:
PhototherapyBiologics, including the self-administered injectable drugs dupilumab (Dupixent) and tralokinumab-ldrm (Adbry)Oral immunosuppressants, like cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, or Restasis), methotrexate (Trexall or Rasuvo), or mycophenolate (CellCept)The oral JAK inhibitors upadacitinib (Rinvoq)and abrocitinib (Cibinqo)Wet wrap therapy, which combines topical medicines and moisturizers with a wet gauze wrap.
Other treatments for itching include antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine, or doxylamine succinate (Unisom), which may help prevent nighttime scratching.
RELATED: The Consumer’s Guide to Biologics for Atopic Dermatitis
Diet Options
Elimination diets are also used to diagnose autoimmune conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic disease of the esophagus, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Learn More About Treatment for Eczema: Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Diet Changes, and More
Prevention of Eczema
There is no proven way to prevent getting eczema. Nonetheless, research suggests children who are breastfed until they’re 4 months old may be less likely to get it. Alternatively, partially hydrolyzed formula, which contains processed cow milk protein, may also reduce a child’s chance of developing atopic dermatitis.
Follow a healthy skin-care routine, including using moisturizing cream or ointment two to three times a day.Use gloves when needed, such as when you’re at risk of coming in contact with irritants. That means while working outside or if you have to put your hands underwater (to absorb sweat, wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves).Bathe smart, such as by using only mild soap and lukewarm water for your bath or shower, and patting your skin dry instead of rubbing it.Stay cool by drinking lots of water, and avoiding getting hot and sweaty.Wear loose clothes — that is, those that are made of cotton and other natural materials.Keep your body temperature steady by avoiding sudden changes in temperature and humidity.Tame stress by recognizing the signs and taking steps to manage it.Limit exposure to known irritants and allergens as best you can.Don’t itch affected skin areas.
Learn More About Eczema Complications National survey data suggest the one-year prevalence of atopic dermatitis among American adults was 10.2 percent in 2010 and 7.2 percent in 2012. But the surveys used different questions: The former referred to “dermatitis, eczema, or any other red, inflamed skin rash” and the latter to “eczema or skin allergy.”
Staph infections (and furuncles or boils)Eczema herpeticumCellulitisImpetigo
Another finding detailed in the review: African American children are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with atopic dermatitis during a dermatologist visit than European American children, even though they are significantly less likely to seek dermatological care, while Asian American kids are 7 times more likely compared with white kids. The itching due to eczema has been shown to have a greater impact on Black patients, who also tend to have more severe disease, per the NEA. Eczema can lead to skin discoloration, as can scratching itchy areas. Darkened patches (hyperpigmentation) or lightened ones (hypopigmentation) can be a particular concern for people of color. Although skin tone eventually evens out on its own, the discoloration can linger for weeks, months, or longer, according to the Skin of Color Society. Changes in skin color can be improved with appropriate treatment for the underlying eczema and inflammation. The NEA is the most prominent U.S. organization devoted solely to education, research, patient support, and advocacy related to atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema. We love their eczema fact sheets, glossary of skin-care terms, and informative webinars. Plus, they have a yearly family-friendly Eczema Expo each summer at a vacation destination. National Eczema Society (NES) This society is one of the most visible resources in the United Kingdom to educate people about eczema, provide help for people with the disease, and support research. Perhaps their most unique resource is a confidential telephone and email hotline that people in the United Kingdom can call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Favorite Orgs for Essential Info About Skin and Allergic Diseases, Including Eczema
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) The AAD says it is the largest professional dermatologic association, with more than 20,500 physicians as members worldwide. They publish information about a variety of skin conditions, and we recommend checking out the robust resource center with information about childhood and adult eczema. Because allergens can trigger eczema flareups, it makes sense to stay on top of information about managing allergies. The AAFA’s site has a wealth of information about allergies, for both adults and kids.
Favorite Annual Meetings for Eczema Patients
Eczema Expo The NEA’s annual expo provides a vacation retreat for people and families affected by eczema. The four-day event includes activities; educational seminars; camps for infants, children, and teens; and hotel accommodations that are as free of potential allergens as possible. The next Eczema Expo is June 25 through 28, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. The organization offers a limited amount of needs-based scholarships to help people attend.
Favorite Alternative Medicine Resource
National Eczema Association — Complementary and Alternative Treatments This NEA page offers information about how acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, natural oils, and other alternative treatments can help to ease eczema symptoms.
Favorite Online Support Networks
AAFA Community Filling out a lengthy form indicating your areas of interest will give you free access to an online forum that includes discussion threads on eczema-related topics. Each time you log in you will see a stream of blog posts with daily news and the latest discussion threads. Inspire We recommend this NEA-hosted forum for sharing support and advice about living with eczema. After registering for free, members post questions or comments in freewheeling discussions and receive written replies, or reactions via “Support,” “Thanks,” and “Useful” buttons. Find household products that are certified “Asthma & Allergy Friendly,” and therefore less likely to trigger eczema flare-ups, through the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s online store. NEA Store The National Eczema Association has an online store of sensitive skin–friendly products that bear the NEA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they are intended for people with moderate to severe skin conditions. Get moisturizers, cleansers, detergents, and other items designed to protect and not irritate your skin.
Favorite Resource for Diet Advice
Elimination Diets — NEA on Eczema and Food Allergies Avoiding food allergy triggers may help you manage eczema, but sometimes you need help identifying precisely what the triggers are. This is where an elimination diet may help. This approach involves omitting a food you think is problematic and then reintroducing it to see what happens. We love this article with information from the dermatologist Peter Lio, MD, which delves into some of the misconceptions about the diet, as well as the link between eczema and what you eat.
Favorite Resource for Becoming an Advocate
NEA Advocacy Action Center We love that the NEA has made it so easy to advocate for better healthcare policies. Their Advocacy Action Center enables people to browse legislation related to eczema in various states. If you wish to “take action,” you can click on a button and fill out an online form to send a message to your local lawmaker. Information is power when it comes to managing eczema symptoms and flare-ups. Eczema Tracker allows you to take a photo of flare-ups and monitor your condition, as well as track and analyze a wealth of information concerning your triggers, allergies, and skin. The app even provides local pollen, weather, mold, and humidity information to help you manage your symptoms. It uses your data to find trends that may lead to flare-ups. Eczema Tracker is available only for iOS in the Apple Store. It is a free app.
Favorite Eczema Spa Retreat
Eczema Expo Spa Treatments Participants in the 2019 NEA Eczema Expo were able to enjoy spa treatments at a local day spa in consultation with a dermatologist who could help them to choose the best treatments for their skin condition. We hope they will do this again in 2020!
