Eczema is a term used to describe a variety of skin conditions where the common symptom is itchy, irritated and inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type. Eczema can be an extremely difficult condition to deal with especially if the symptoms worsen to include blistering, weeping, or peeling skin. Eczema predominantly affects infants and children but some people will continue to suffer from it into adulthood. One of the reasons eczema can be so challenging is because there is no known cure. It can be especially hard for parents who have a child with this chronic skin condition who want to help their child but don't know how. Adults with eczema may also feel frustration over having to deal with flare-ups which can cause physical and emotional distress.

My Skin Care Connection is here to help. The following are links to information and support for eczema sufferers or their loved ones. We hope that these resources will help you to feel more empowered to either help your child or take charge of your adult eczema.

Eczema: The Basics

• Eczema Information

• Introduction to Eczema

• Video on how histamines play a part in eczema

• If it's Fall, This Must be Eczema

Adult Eczema

• Ten Things You Need to Know about Adult Eczema  

• Eczema: Information for Adults (Skinsight)

• Adult Seborrheic Eczema (International Eczema-Psoriasis Society)

Pediatric Eczema

• Eczema and Children: What Parents Can Do

• Eczema in Children and Infants

• Atopic Dermatitis in Children (National Eczema Association)

Living with Eczema

• How to Prevent Flare-ups (American Academy of Dermatology)

• Living with Eczema (National Eczema Association)

• Eczema Lifestyle Management ( National Jewish Health)

Eczema Treatment

• Acupuncture May Relieve Eczema Symptoms

• Atopic Dermatitis is Treated with a Chilling Approach

• How to Treat Your Out-of Control Eczema

• Treatment for Eczema

How to Cope

• Depression and Skin Disorders

• How to Cope with Depression and a Chronic Skin Condition

Support Groups

• National Eczema Association State Support Groups  

• Yahoo Eczema Parent Circle

• Experience Project: I Have Eczema

• Camp Discovery (for young people with chronic skin conditions)

Eczema and Dermatological Organizations

• National Eczema Association

• UK National Eczema Society

• American Academy of Dermatology: EczemaNet

• New Zealand Dermatological Society

Your doctor is the best person to answer questions about your skin condition and possible treatments. But it does help to become an informed and knowledgeable patient so you will be able to make the best choices for your care. We hope to be a support to you during this process.