Eczema

noun [ec•ze•ma]

Eczema, a disease that is commonly referred to as atopic dermatitis, typically starts in early infancy and is usually genetic. It is characterized by pruritus (itchiness) xerosis (dry skin) and lichenificaiton on the skin (thickening of the skin and increase in skin markings).

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Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). Healthy skin and cross-section of human skin with dermatitis, showing changes and differences.

Types
& Causes

Eczema

Symptoms

Common symptoms for all types of eczema:

dry, scaly skin
redness
itching, which may be intense
personal history of allergies
sensitivity to allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and molds
food allergies, including cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, and soy
history of asthma or hay fever
commonly occurs in three stages and may lie dormant between each stage (infancy, childhood, adulthood)

Hand Eczema

Eczema that only affects your hands is called hand eczema. You may get this type if you work in a job like hairdressing or cleaning, where you regularly use chemicals that irritate the skin.

Symptoms

In hand eczema:

your hands get red, itchy, and dry
they may form cracks or blisters

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis on the hand from a metal ring.

If you have red, irritated skin that’s caused by a reaction to substances you touch, you may have contact dermatitis. It comes in two types: Allergic contact dermatitis, an immune system reaction to an irritant like latex or metal. Irritant contact dermatitis starts when a chemical or other substance irritates your skin. Some common culprits include cosmetics, fragrances, and jewelry.

Symptoms

In contact dermatitis:

your skin itches, turns red, burns, and stings
itchy bumps called hives may pop up on your skin
fluid-filled blisters can form that may ooze and crust over
over time, the skin may thicken and feel scaly or leathery

Eczema

Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis