Eczema (Dermatitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a name for several kinds of skin swelling.

Symptoms

Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes, often:

• on the face;
• inside the elbows and behind the knees;
• on the hands and feet.

Scratching can make the skin turn red, swell and itch even more.

Causes

Eczema is not contagious. Its cause is unknown, but it is probably a mix of genetic and environmental factors. It can get better or worse over time, and it is often long-lasting. People with eczema may also develop hay fever and asthma.

Atopic dermatitis

The most common type is atopic dermatitis. It is most common in babies and children, though adults can have it too. In many children it improves or goes away as they grow older, but sometimes the skin stays dry and easily irritated.

Treatment

Treatments may include:

• medicines;
• skin creams;
• light therapy;
• good skin care.

Prevention

You can prevent some types of eczema by avoiding:

• things that irritate your skin, such as certain soaps, fabrics and lotions;
• stress;
• things you are allergic to, such as foods, pollen and animals.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Eczema," drawing on the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH). https://medlineplus.gov/eczema.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.