Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that isn’t contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. There are treatments available to help you manage symptoms, but there isn’t a cure.

What are the types of eczema?
There are several types of eczema. Each type has unique triggers that can affect your skin’s barrier function, including:
* Atopic dermatitis.
* Contact dermatitis.
* Dyshidrotic eczema.
* Neurodermatitis.
* Nummular eczema.
* Seborrheic dermatitis.

It’s possible to have more than one type of eczema at the same time.

Who does eczema affect?
Eczema can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms usually appear during childhood and last into adulthood. You might be more at risk of having eczema if you have a family history or a diagnosis of:
* Dermatitis.
* Allergies.
* Hay fever.
* Asthma.

How common is eczema?
Eczema is common and affects more than 31 million Americans. Infants are prone to eczema, and 10% to 20% will have it. However, nearly half of all infants diagnosed with eczema outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.

What causes eczema to start?
The first signs of eczema are itchiness, dry skin and a rash. These signs indicate that you came into contact with a trigger in your environment that caused your symptoms to start or flare up. Identifying environmental triggers and avoiding them can reduce your risk of an eczema flare-up in your future.