Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis

What is Eczema?

The main symptoms of eczema are dry skin with intense itching and a red rash. It usually appears on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees and on hands and feet. Scratching can make the skin red and swollen, and even more itchy. Scratching can also break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter causing an infection. It’s important to break the cycle of itching and scratching in order to control and prevent flares of eczema.

Can I do Anything to Help Prevent Flares?

Avoiding certain environmental and physiologic triggers associated with flares and meticulous skin care are crucial to every successful treatment plan. Some of the more common triggers to avoid might include irritants (such as household cleaners, products and soaps), allergens (such as pets, pollens, dust mites and molds), foods (such as dairy, wheat, eggs, nuts, soy, and certain juices from fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and fishes), certain temperatures (hot weather, high or low humidity, and perspiration), clothing (wool, synthetic materials that make you sweat), stress and hormones. Working with your ADCS physician or eczema specialist to determine your triggers will help minimize flares and the need for treatment.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema’s exact cause is not known. It is not contagious so you can’t catch it or give it to somebody. The primary risk factors are having a personal or family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever or asthma.

Healthy, unaffected skin usually retains sufficient moisture and protects you from external bacteria, allergens and irritants. If you have a certain gene variation, however, your skin can be affected by those external factors and you may develop eczema.