Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious skin problem. In people with eczema, the inflammation response to irritating substances overreacts. This causes itching, dryness, fine scales, flaking, and sometimes mild redness. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) often occurs with allergies, asthma, or hay fever. It frequently runs in families with a history of allergies.

Children may get eczema on the face, scalp, buttocks, thighs, and upper body. Severe cases are common during infancy. Most children improve by age 2. Adults usually have eczema on the face, neck, inside the elbows, or behind the knees. Adults have more scaling and fewer blisters than children.

Flare-ups are caused by dry skin, allergies, hot baths or showers, soap, scratchy and tight clothing, rapid temperature changes, and emotional upsets. Scratching may cause infection.

Tips for managing eczema include the following:

• keep the skin moist and cool to avoid scratching
• try an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream for small itchy areas. (Apply this cream exactly as your healthcare provider directs since repeated use of hydrocortisone cream can cause skin rashes.)
• take brief, daily baths or showers with lukewarm (not hot) water
• bathe without soap or use a gentle soap or non-soap cleanser
• apply a lubricating cream or lotion immediately after bathing and reapply often
• take an antihistamine, like Benadryl, by mouth for severe itching (Antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery or equipment while taking this medicine.)
• avoid antiseptic or antihistamine ointments, creams, and sprays
• sleep with a humidifier turned on in your bedroom
• avoid those things that you know will make your skin rash worse, like wearing tight or scratchy clothing
• avoid contact with allergens and irritants that increase your symptoms
• wash clothes and bedding in mild soap and rinse them twice
• avoid sudden changes in temperatures and over-heating and
• avoid over-heating

Recent research suggests that people who are allergic to dust mites may be more likely to have severe eczema. Dust mites are also the most common allergic cause of asthma and hay fever later in life. In some cases, providers suggest allergy shots.

If you are allergic to dust mites:

• change all bed linens, dust your home, and vacuum your carpets frequently
• use plastic covers on pillows and mattresses and
• remove carpets, rugs, and drapes

Seek medical care if you experience the following:

• a rash on the face that is red, patchy, and combined with joint pain and fever
• itching that interferes with normal sleep patterns
• a rash that appears infected and
• self-care that does not work

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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