Eczema Q & A
Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically appears before the age of five, then persists into adulthood. Healthy skin is protected by a barrier that holds in moisture and blocks bacteria and allergens.
Scientists identified a gene variation in patients with atopic dermatitis that weakens the skin barrier, making them more susceptible to dry skin and infections.
Atopic dermatitis is known for causing a red, itchy rash, but you may develop other symptoms, too. Your skin may become swollen, dry, and scaly, or you may have tiny bumps that ooze. It’s also common to develop patches of red or brownish skin and for the affected skin to become thick and scaly.
Symptoms can develop anywhere on your body. However, atopic dermatitis usually appears on the cheeks, scalp, knees, and elbows of infants and children. Adults tend to get the rash on their wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, neck, and face.
Atopic dermatitis goes through cycles of remission followed by flares after your skin is exposed to a trigger. Dry skin frequently produces a flare-up, but other common triggers include:
- Irritants: Soap, skin care products, nickel
- Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, foods
- Environmental: High or low humidity, heat
If you have allergies, your allergens are likely to be triggers.
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