Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is eczema? " пїЅ Eczema is a skin condition that makes your skin itchy and flaky. Doctors do not know what causes it. Eczema often happens in people who have allergies. It can also run in families. Another term for eczema is "atopic dermatitis. " пїЅ пїЅ пїЅ

What are the symptoms of eczema? " пїЅ The symptoms of eczema can include: пїЅ пїЅ

Intense itching
Redness
Small bumps
Skin that flakes off or forms scales

Most people with eczema have their first symptoms before they turn 5. But eczema can look different in people of different ages: пїЅ пїЅ

In babies, eczema tends to affect the front of the arms and legs, cheeks, or scalp. (The diaper area is not usually affected.)
In older children and adults, eczema often affects the sides of the neck, the elbow creases, and the backs of the knees. Adults can also get it on their face, wrists, hands, and forearms.
In older children and adults, the skin can become thick and dark. It might even forms scars from too much scratching.

Is there a test for eczema? " пїЅ No, there is no test. But doctors and nurses can tell if you have eczema it by looking at your skin and by asking you questions. пїЅ пїЅ

What can I do to reduce my symptoms? " пїЅ Use unscented thick moisturizing creams and ointments to keep the skin from getting too dry.Also, try to avoid things that can make eczema worse, such as: пїЅ пїЅ

Having dry skin that has not been treated with moisturizing creams or ointments
Being too hot or sweating too much
Being in very dry air
Stress or worry
Sudden temperature changes
Harsh soaps or cleaning products
Perfumes
Wool or synthetic fabrics (like polyester)

How is eczema treated? " пїЅ There are treatments that can relieve the symptoms of eczema. But the condition cannot be cured. Even so, about half of children with eczema grow out of it by the time they become adults. The treatments for eczema include: пїЅ пїЅ

Moisturizing creams or ointments " пїЅ These products help keep your skin moist. In some cases, your doctor or nurse might suggest using a moist dressing over special creams or medicines.
Steroid creams and ointments " пїЅ These medicines are different than the steroids athletes take to build muscle. They go on the skin, and they relieve itching and redness. (In severe cases, you might need steroids in pills. But your doctor or nurse will want to take you off steroid pills as soon as possible. Even though these medicines help, they can also cause problems of their own.)
Medicines that change the way the immune system works " пїЅ These medicines are only for people who do not get better with safer treatment options.
Antihistamine pills " пїЅ Antihistamines are the medicines people often take for allergies. Some people with eczema find that antihistamines relieve itching. Others do not think the medicines do any good. Many people with eczema find that itching is worst at night. That can make it hard to sleep. If you have this problem, talk with your doctor or nurse about it. He or she might recommend an antihistamine that can also help with sleep.
Light therapy " пїЅ Another treatment option is something called "light therapy, " пїЅ but doctors do not use it much. During light therapy, your skin is exposed to a special kind of light called ultraviolet light. This therapy is usually done in a doctors office.

Light therapy can help with eczema but experts worry that it might increase a person's risk for skin cancer. Doctors usually recommend it for people who do not get better with other treatments. пїЅ пїЅ

Can eczema be prevented? " пїЅ Maybe. Babies who have a parent, brother, or sister with eczema have a higher risk of getting it, too. In these babies, using moisturizing creams or ointments (starting right after birth) might help prevent eczema during the first year. But doctors don't yet know if this also helps prevent eczema later on. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 15392 Version 6.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ

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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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