What Is Eczema - Article Health

Because eczema is often used as an umbrella term for a group of chronic, itchy skin rashes, a simple definition of the skin condition is hard to come by. Many people with eczema develop dry, itchy, red patches of skin. In some forms of eczema, blisters develop. Scratching can inflame the rash and cause “weeping” of clear fluid. Over time, the affected patches of skin can thicken. Eczema can look different depending on the type of rash and where it appears on the body. Symptoms typically flare up for a period of time and then calm down before surfacing again. More than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema. While the exact cause is unclear, a combination of factors, such as genes, environment, and immune system are thought to play a role.

Types of eczema
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of the skin condition, and it’s usually what people are referring to when they talk about eczema. About one in five children develop atopic dermatitis, often in infancy and usually by age 5.

Dyshidrotic eczema
With this type of eczema, itchy, fluid-filled blisters develop under the skin on the hands or the feet, especially palms, soles, or sides of the fingers. Patches of flaky, red skin can develop. Over time, the affected skin can become thick and cracked.

Nummular eczema
Round or oval areas of itchy, inflamed sores are the hallmark of this type of eczema, which is also called nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema.

Signs and symptoms of eczema
How do you know a rash is eczema and not psoriasis or another skin condition? Eczema is usually accompanied by uncontrollable itching that worsens when you scratch it and can interfere with sleep. People sometimes scratch until they bleed, yet itching persists, and the wound becomes vulnerable to infection.

What causes eczema?
While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, scientists believe it’s a product of your genes and the environment. Eczema risk is greater in children whose parents had eczema or a condition like asthma or hay fever.

Usually the skin serves as a shield against toxins, bacteria, and allergens. With eczema, that protective barrier dries out and is easily breached by irritants in the environment. Exposure to household products (such as soap, detergent, or fragrances) or to allergens (dust, pollen, or pet dander) may trigger eczema symptoms.

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