Eczema

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

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.

Infantile eczema; Atopic dermatitis; Dermatitis - atopic

Eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Long-term irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and have a leather-like texture.

Eczema is most common in infants. The condition tends to run in families.

People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema.

The following can make eczema symptoms worse:

• Dry skin
• Exposure to environmental irritants
• Exposure to water
• Stress
• Temperature changes

Review Date: 10/28/2008
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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