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Alternative Names Return to top
Infantile eczema; Atopic dermatitis; Dermatitis - atopicDefinition Return to top
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.
Causes Return to top
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:
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and on personal and family history. The health care provider should examine the lesions to rule out other possible causes. A skin lesion biopsy may be performed, but is not always required to make the diagnosis.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment can vary depending on the appearance (stage) of the lesions. "Weeping" lesions, dry scaly lesions, or chronic dry, thickened lesions are each treated differently.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Eczema is a chronic condition, but you can control it with treatment and by avoiding irritants. In children, it often clears up by early adulthood. In adults, it is generally a long-term or recurring condition.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
Prevention Return to top
Studies have shown that children who are breast-fed are less likely to get eczema. This is also true when the nursing mother has avoided cow's milk in her diet. Other dietary restrictions may include eggs, fish, peanuts, and soy.
Eczema tends to run in families. Controlling stress, nervousness, anxiety, and depression can help in some cases.
References Return to top
Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:41.
Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2458-2460.
Lewis-Jones S, Mugglestone MA; Guideline Development Group. Management of atopic eczema in children aged up to 12 years: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2007;335:1263-1264.
Ascroft DM, Chen LC, Garside R, Stein K, Williams HC. Topical pimecrolimus for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD005500.
Update Date: 10/28/2008 Updated 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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