What is eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects more than 31 million people in the United States, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). It causes dry, scaly skin with redness and itching, and blisters or tiny bumps with a rash-like appearance. In severe cases, the skin may form painful cracks that bleed and form a crust. It’s very common for babies and young children to develop eczema on their cheeks and chin, but it can appear anywhere on the body and affect people of all ages. The NEA estimates that one in ten people will develop eczema at some point in their lives.
If you have eczema, living with the condition can be challenging and frustrating. It can greatly affect your quality of life, often leading to difficulty sleeping, low self-esteem, embarrassment, and avoiding social situations. People with eczema commonly experience flare-ups and periods of remission. During a flare, skin is actively itchy and very inflamed. During a period of remission, skin heals and there may not be any noticeable symptoms. Remission can last weeks, months, or even years. Eczema isn’t contagious and can’t be transmitted from person-to-person.
An everyday guide to eczema
Eczema symptoms
The symptoms of eczema won’t be the same for everyone. For most people with eczema, their skin is extremely itchy. Because the skin itches so much, people often scratch their skin until it bleeds. In addition to intensely itchy skin, these are the most common eczema symptoms to watch out for:
Skin redness
Dry, sensitive skin
Scaly rash
Swollen, inflamed skin
Bumps or blisters that bleed or ooze when scratched
Dark-colored patches of skin
Patches of skin that appear rough or leathery
There are seven different types of eczema
Atopic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema produces scaly, coin-shaped patches that are very itchy. It usually occurs on the legs and is thought to be triggered by insect bites and dry skin during the winter.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is very similar in appearance to atopic dermatitis, and it affects about 12% of people in the US, according to the NEA. Symptoms of neurodermatitis include thick, scaly patches that form on the scalp, neck, shoulders, hands, ankles, and feet. These patches are very itchy and bleed easily when scratched.
Dyshidrotic eczema
This skin condition produces small, fluid-filled blisters on the soles of the feet, toes, palms, and fingers. It’s much more common in women and is usually caused by moist hands and feet, allergies, stress, or exposure to nickel (found in some jewelry), chromium salts (found in some paints, leather, and cement), and cobalt (found in metal-plated objects).
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis usually affects the lower legs and typically affects the elderly. It’s caused by a circulation problem that affects blood flow, causing fluid to leak out of weakened veins and into the skin. Symptoms include swollen ankles, open red sores, pain, and itching.
What Causes Eczema?
A specific eczema cause hasn’t been found, although there are several theories. Eczema does have a genetic basis and tends to run in families. It’s also thought that people with eczema have an overactive immune system that causes an inflammatory response when triggered by a specific substance. This is what leads to red, itchy skin and the other symptoms associated with eczema.
Research has also shown that some people with eczema lack a protein in their skin called filaggrin, which is responsible for building a healthy protective barrier on the top layer of skin. Without enough filaggrin, skin dries out rapidly, making it difficult to retain proper moisture levels. This is one of the reasons why people with eczema have very dry, itchy skin.
While the exact eczema cause is unknown, researchers have found that exposure to certain substances or even situations can trigger a skin reaction, resulting in noticeable symptoms. Take a look at some of the most common eczema triggers and irritants that can lead to eczema symptoms:
Environmental factors
- Dry air
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Tobacco
- Pollution
- Sweating
- Extremes in temperature, such as very hot or cold
Lifestyle factors
- Food allergies
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
Irritant products
- Fragrances and perfumes
- Laundry detergents
- Soaps
- Cosmetics
- Chlorine
- Cleaning products and disinfectants
- Wearing clothing made of wool or synthetic fabrics
- Certain metals, such as nickel
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