What is Eczema?

Eczema may affect any area of your skin. Where it appears depends on the type of eczema you have. Eczema tends to affect the: Back of the knees, face, feet, hands, inside of the elbows, and wrists.

Eczema almost always causes itchy skin in the affected area. It also causes a rash. The itching may start before the rash appears.

Areas of skin affected by eczema may appear red and swollen, scaly, thickened, and/or very dry. Eczema may also cause the affected skin to have small, raised bumps.

Since the affected skin is itchy, many people want to scratch the affected area. But this may cause an open wound. Open wounds may allow germs to enter the skin and cause an infection.

Scratching the skin may also cause: Cracking or crusting of the skin, increased redness and swelling, raw, sensitive skin, and “Weeping” clear fluid.

The symptoms of eczema tend to “flare” up every so often and then go away. These flare-ups may be caused by coming into contact with an irritant or allergen. Being too hot or too cold may also cause a flare-up in some people.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown. It may be caused by the immune system’s response to an irritant. It is this overactive response that causes the symptoms of eczema.

Factors that can cause eczema include Allergies, irritating substances, and other diseases.

Eczema is commonly found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma. The cause of eczema could be genetic. Defects in the skin barrier could let moisture out and let germs in, which may also lead to eczema. Eczema is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another.

Your health care provider will first ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be performed.

There are no tests that can diagnose eczema. Your health care provider can often diagnose eczema by asking about your symptoms and looking at the affected skin.

Many people with eczema also have allergies. You may be tested for allergies to find possible triggers or irritants that may make your eczema worse.

Treatment for eczema helps relieve symptoms, including itching. Your health care provider can provide you with the appropriate type of treatment based on your case.

Treatment may also involve avoiding triggers and irritants that can cause flare-ups. You can prevent flare-ups by not scratching itchy skin and avoiding scratchy clothing materials, such as wool, avoiding sudden changes in temperature and humidity and using a humidifier at home, avoiding sweating or overheating, using lotions frequently, avoiding harsh soaps, detergents, and household chemicals, being aware of foods that may cause an outbreak and avoiding those foods, and reducing stress. This may involve talking with a counselor, relaxation exercises, or biofeedback.