Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Atopic eczema is the most common type.

See also:

• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis

Infantile eczema; Atopic dermatitis; Dermatitis - atopic; Eczema - atopic

Atopic eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation of the skin.

Eczema is most common in infants. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood. The condition tends to run in families.

People with eczema often have asthma or hay fever, too. There is often a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema.

The following can make eczema symptoms worse:

• Allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, or animals
• Colds or the flu
• Contact with rough materials
• Dry skin
• Exposure to environmental irritants
• Exposure to water
• Feeling too hot or too cold
• Fragrances or dyes added to skin lotions or soaps
• Stress

Images

Keratosis pilaris on the cheek

Atopy on the ankles

Dermatitis, atopic on the legs

Dermatitis, atopic on a young girl's face

Dermatitis, atopic in an infant

Hyperlinearity in atopic dermatitis, on the palm

Keratosis pilaris - close-up

Dermatitis, atopic on the arms

Eczema, atopic - close-up

Hyperlinearity in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis

Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)