Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can affect people of all ages but is most often seen in babies and young children. Eczema is not contagious, so you can’t catch it from someone else. It can, however, cause a lot of discomfort and frustration, especially when it flares up.
Many people with eczema go through periods where their symptoms get worse, called flare-ups, and times when the skin looks and feels better. While there is no cure for eczema, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and keep the skin healthy. With the right care, most people with eczema can live comfortably and avoid major problems.
What Causes Eczema And What Types Exist
Eczema happens when the skin’s natural barrier doesn’t work properly. This makes the skin dry out more easily and allows irritants and allergens to get in. The result is inflammation, redness, and itching. The exact cause of eczema isn’t fully known, but it seems to be linked to both genetics and environmental triggers.
People with eczema often have a family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever. Certain things in the environment can make eczema worse. These include soaps, detergents, stress, weather changes, and even rough fabrics. Some foods may also trigger symptoms in children, although this doesn’t happen for everyone.
There are several types of eczema, and each has slightly different symptoms:
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Atopic Dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema. It often starts in childhood and can last into adulthood. It causes red, itchy patches of skin, often on the face, hands, elbows, and knees.
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Contact Dermatitis: This happens when the skin reacts to something it touches, like a cleaning product or nickel in jewelry.
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Dyshidrotic Eczema: This type causes small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet.
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Nummular Eczema: This form appears as round, coin-shaped spots on the skin.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis: Often seen in babies as cradle cap or in adults around the nose and scalp, this type causes red, scaly patches.
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Stasis Dermatitis: This occurs in the lower legs and is linked to poor circulation.
Knowing what type of eczema you have can help guide treatment and avoid triggers.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Eczema symptoms can vary depending on the type and the person, but most people with eczema experience a few common signs. The skin may look dry, thickened, or scaly. Itching is often the most troublesome symptom and can be very intense, especially at night.
Other common symptoms include:
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Red or brownish patches of skin
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Small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
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Cracked or rough skin
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Swelling or skin that feels warm to the touch
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Sensitive skin that reacts to soaps, lotions, or fabrics
In babies, eczema often appears on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp. In older children and adults, it’s more common in the folds of the arms, behind the knees, and on the hands or neck. Over time, repeated scratching can make the skin thicker or darker in certain areas.
The itching and discomfort can also affect sleep and daily activities. Some people may also feel embarrassed or frustrated about how their skin looks, which can affect emotional health.
How Eczema Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing eczema usually starts with a visit to a healthcare provider. There’s no single test to confirm eczema, so the diagnosis is based on symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor will look at your skin, ask about your health history, and try to identify any triggers.
In some cases, allergy tests may be recommended, especially if your eczema seems to be linked to certain foods or environmental allergens. A skin patch test can also be done to check for contact dermatitis, where the skin reacts to specific substances.
Sometimes a skin scraping or biopsy is taken to rule out other skin conditions like fungal infections or psoriasis. But in most cases, eczema can be diagnosed just by looking at the skin and understanding your symptoms.
It’s helpful to keep track of when symptoms appear and what may be triggering them. This information can help your doctor recommend the best treatment plan.
Treatment And Ways To Manage Eczema
While there’s no cure for eczema, there are many ways to treat it and reduce symptoms. The goal is to heal the skin, prevent flare-ups, and relieve itching. Treatment usually involves a mix of skincare, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Here are some common treatment options:
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Moisturizers: Keeping the skin hydrated is one of the most important steps. Use thick creams or ointments several times a day, especially after bathing.
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Topical Steroids: These creams or ointments help reduce inflammation and itching during flare-ups. They come in different strengths and should be used as directed by your doctor.
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Non-Steroid Creams: Newer prescription creams are available that help control inflammation without using steroids.
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Antihistamines: These may help with itching, especially at night, and can also help improve sleep.
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Antibiotics: If the skin becomes infected from scratching, your doctor may prescribe a short course of antibiotics.
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Light Therapy: In some cases, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
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Oral Medications: For severe eczema, doctors may prescribe pills or injections that reduce the body’s immune response.
In addition to medication, managing eczema also involves avoiding triggers. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and detergents. Dress in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Keep fingernails short to reduce skin damage from scratching. Try to reduce stress, which can make symptoms worse.
Bathing properly is also key. Short, lukewarm baths are better than long, hot ones. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer right away to lock in moisture.
Living With Eczema
Living with eczema can be challenging, but with the right treatment and care, most people can manage the condition successfully. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works for you and to stick with it, even when your skin feels better.
Help your child understand their skin condition and support them through flare-ups. Be patient—eczema often takes time to improve, and flare-ups can happen even with good care. Focus on routines that protect the skin and prevent irritation.
Emotional support is just as important as physical care. Eczema can affect confidence and quality of life, especially in children and teens. Talk to your doctor if you or your child is feeling anxious or frustrated about living with eczema.
With good skincare habits, regular doctor visits, and some trial and error, most people with eczema can keep their symptoms under control and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin.
