01/04/2025
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.
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.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Symptoms of eczema include:
Dry skin.
Itchy skin.
Skin rash.
Bumps on your skin.
Thick, leathery patches of skin.
Flaky, scaly or crusty skin.
Swelling.
What does an eczema rash look like?
Eczema can look different on each person diagnosed with the condition. If you have a dark skin tone, an eczema rash can be purple, brown or gray. If you have a light skin tone, an eczema rash can look pink, red or purple.
Where do symptoms of eczema appear on my body?
Symptoms of eczema can show up anywhere on your skin. The most common places where you’ll notice symptoms of eczema include on your:
Hands.
Neck.
Elbows.
Ankles.
Knees
Feet.
Face, especially cheeks.
In and around ears.
Lips
While less common, eczema can also occur on your:
Ni***es.
Breasts.
Folds of skin near your va**na (v***a).
P***s.
Does eczema hurt?
Eczema doesn’t usually cause pain. If you scratch your skin, you could break the surface of your skin and create a sore, which could be painful. Some types of eczema, like contact dermatitis, cause a burning sensation and discomfort.
