Health Topics A-Z

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition caused by inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. While the word "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin, "atopic" refers to an allergic tendency, which is often inherited. These eczema sufferers have a higher risk of developing other allergic conditions (like asthma or hay fever).

Typically, eczema causes skin to become itchy, red, and dry — even cracked, blistery, and leathery. Eczema most frequently appears on the face, wrists, elbows, and knees, but it can show up in other areas, too.

Eczema is a chronic problem for many people. It is most common among infants, many of whom outgrow it before their second birthdays. If it persists, the child is likely to be a chronic sufferer.

What Causes It?

Like asthma, eczema seems to run in families. Certain genes make some people have extra-sensitive skin, and certain environmental factors — like an allergy or stress — can trigger an episode of eczema.

Many cases of eczema are related to allergies to foods (like cow's milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, strawberries, and shrimp) or airborne irritants (such as dust mites and pollen).

Eczema is also caused or worsened by contact with irritants in common substances:

• woolen and synthetic fabrics.
• latex rubber.
• detergents.
• chlorine-based products.
• nickel used in plated earrings and other jewelry.
• heat and sweat.
• chemicals such as formaldehyde, found in permanent-press fabrics, polishes, rugs, foam insulation, and particle board.

Eczema can also be caused by dry skin.

Since eczema may in part be an internal response to stress, any emotionally charged event — from a move to a new job — may trigger a flare-up.