• Oral or injected corticosteroids when the eczema is severe
• Antibiotic creams or pills if the skin is infected
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
• Oral immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate mofetil

Eczema is a chronic condition, but you can control it with treatment, by avoiding irritants, and by keeping the skin well-moisturized.

In children, it often clears beginning around age 5 - 6, but flareups will often occur. In adults, it is generally a long-term or recurring condition.

People with eczema tend to have dry skin that flares up more in the winter, when the air is cold and dry.

• Infections of the skin caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses
• Permanent scars

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Eczema does not respond to moisturizers or avoiding allergens
• Symptoms worsen or treatment is ineffective
• You have signs of infection (such as fever, redness, pain)

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

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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)