Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Causes of eczema

Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, factors that can contribute to the development of the condition include:

• Heredity
• Environment
• Skin defects that let germs into the skin
• Immune system malfunction

Risk factors for eczema

You are more likely to develop eczema if you have any of the following risk factors:

• Age — eczema is more common in children and young adults.
• Born to an older mother — children born to older mothers are more likely to develop eczema.
• Live in area with high pollution — if you live in an urban setting where pollution is greater, you are more likely to develop eczema.
• Live in colder climates — if you live in a colder weather climate, you are more likely to develop eczema.
• Family history of eczema — if you have a family history of eczema, you are more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms of eczema

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry, thickened, cracked or scaly skin
• Mild to severe itching that intensifies at night
• Dark or red patches
• Raised inflamed bumps that can leak fluid
• Cracking behind the ears
• Rash on cheeks or arms/legs

Diagnosis of eczema

Your primary care doctor or dermatologist can diagnose eczema in a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will take a full medical history, discuss your symptoms and evaluate the state of your skin.

Treatment for eczema

There is not currently a cure for eczema. The goal of treatment is to relieve irritation caused by symptoms.

Eczema treatment options include:

• Change soap and/or moisturize — use mild soap that does not dry your skin out and lather yourself with a quality moisturizer after baths or when your skin appears dry.
• Bleach baths — a bath with diluted bleach can kill bacteria that lives on the skin; please consult your doctor to obtain the proper dilution level to ensure safety.
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams — mild eczema can be treated with OTC hydrocortisone creams.
• Over-the-counter antihistamines — antihistamines can relieve the itching associated with eczema.
• Ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy) — used on patients who do not experience relief with less aggressive therapies; during phototherapy, your skin is exposed to controlled amounts of natural sunlight.
• Medications that improve immune system — can reduce inflammation and lessen immune system reactions, these medications, such as cyclosporine, should be used as a last resort and should only be used in patients over 2 years old.

Recovery from eczema

Some patients experience eczema spells for their entire lives, and for other people, symptoms lessen as they get older.

If you are a person who gets frequent flare-ups even as an adult, consider modifying your soap, detergents and moisturizer routine until you find products that cause the fewest symptoms.