Eczema

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Keratosis pilaris - close-up Atopic dermatitis Atopy on the ankles Dermatitis, atopic on the arms Dermatitis, atopic in an infant Hyperlinearity in atopic dermatitis, on the palm Eczema, atopic - close-up Dermatitis, atopic on a young girl's face Keratosis pilaris on the cheek Dermatitis, atopic on the legs Hyperlinearity in atopic dermatitis

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Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions like asthma, hay fever, or eczema.

Eczema is most common in infants, and at least half of those cases clear by age 3. In adults, it is generally a chronic or recurring condition.

A hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) occurs in the skin, causing chronic inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Chronic irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery-textured.

Exposure to environmental irritants can worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, exposure to water, temperature changes, and stress.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc. 2004:41.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2458-2460.

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