Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition marked by itchy and inflamed patches of skin.
It’s often seen in babies and young children, appearing on the faces of infants. But eczema can come in a variety of types in children, teens, and adults. Read on to learn what causes the skin condition and how to treat its symptoms.
When people refer to eczema, they usually mean atopic dermatitis, which is characterized as dry, itchy skin that often appears with a red rash. This is the most common and chronic type of eczema.
Other types include:
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is caused by contact with irritants. Burning, itching, and redness occur. The inflammation goes away when the irritant is removed.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
Dyshidrotic dermatitis affects fingers, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. It causes itchy, scaly patches of skin that flake or become red, cracked, and painful. The condition is more common in women.
Nummular Dermatitis
Nummular dermatitis causes dry, round patches of skin in the winter months. It usually affects the legs. It’s more common in men.
The Symptoms of Eczema
The main symptom of eczema is itchy, dry, rough, flakey, inflamed, and irritated skin. It can flare up, subside, and then flare up again.
Eczema can occur anywhere but usually affects the arms, inner elbows, backs of the knees, or head (particularly the cheeks and the scalp). It’s not contagious, and, in some cases, becomes less severe with age.
Other symptoms include:
- Intense Itching
- Red or Brownish-Gray Patches
- Small, Raised bumps that ooze fluid when scratched
- Crusty patches of dried yellowish ooze, which can signal infection
- Thickened, Scaly Skin