Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause dry, itchy, inflamed, and scaly skin. It is not a single disease but a term for several inflammatory skin disorders, with atopic dermatitis being the most common type. Symptoms can range from an itchy rash to blisters, cracking, and thickening of the skin. The appearance of the rash can vary based on skin tone, and triggers can include irritants, allergens, and stress.

Key Characteristics

  • Chronic and Recurrent: Eczema is typically a long-lasting (chronic) condition with periods of flare-ups (when symptoms worsen) and remission (when symptoms subside or disappear).
  • Weakened Skin Barrier: People with eczema often have a genetic predisposition or mutation that affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture and protect against external irritants and allergens. This compromised barrier makes the skin more vulnerable to environmental factors and infections.
  • Not Contagious: Eczema cannot be spread from person to person.
  • Associated Conditions: Eczema is often linked with other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
Symptoms of Eczema can vary in severity and appearance depending on the individual’s skin tone and age. They commonly include:
  • Intense itching (pruritus): The most prominent and often distressing symptom.
  • Dry, sensitive skin: Skin may feel rough, scaly, or leathery over time due to repeated scratching.
  • Rashes and inflammation: Rashes can appear pink, red, purple, brown, or gray depending on skin tone. In infants, rashes often appear on the cheeks, arms, and legs; in older children and adults, they frequently appear in the creases of the elbows and knees, on the hands, or feet.
  • Oozing and crusting: In acute flare-ups, small, fluid-filled blisters may form and then break open, leading to crusty patches.
  • Skin infections: Constant scratching can break the skin, making it more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.
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