Eczema

Key messages

• Eczema refers to a group of conditions that lead to inflamed skin. Signs of inflamed skin include a rash, itchiness, and excessive dryness. (1)

• There are several types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type.

• Eczema is a complex condition. Your genes, immune system, and what touches your skin may play a role in eczema. (1) A board-certified dermatologist can determine what’s affecting your eczema and recommend an appropriate treatment.

• To find a board-certified dermatologist, visit aad.org/findaderm.

Supporting messages

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• Eczema usually occurs on the face, neck, hands and the insides of the elbows, knees and ankles.

• Atopic dermatitis is frequently described as “the itch that rashes.” It is characterized by patches of dry, red skin that may have scales and/or crust. Often, there is intense itchiness, accompanied by the desire to scratch.

• While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, most cases can be controlled with proper treatment. The goals of treatment are to keep the skin moist, reduce inflammation and the risk of infection, and minimize the itch associated with the rash. (2-4)

Stats and facts

• Atopic dermatitis affects nearly 1 in 10 Americans of all ages. (5)

  • It affects up to 1 in 5 children under the age of 18. (5)

• This condition usually begins during childhood, with most children developing it by 5 years of age. Atopic dermatitis can also develop during puberty. Less often, people get it as an adult.

• This condition develops in people of all ages and races. However, some people have a higher risk of getting it. Here’s what research shows can increase the risk.

  • Your race: In the United States, Black children are twice as likely as White children to develop atopic dermatitis, according to several studies.

  • Where you live: Around the world, people living in a city are more likely than people living in a rural area to develop atopic dermatitis. Several studies have found this to be true, and air pollution may be the reason. Living in a dry climate or far from the equator, where it’s cooler, may also increase your risk.

  • Genes you inherit: Many people who develop atopic dermatitis have one or more blood relatives with atopic dermatitis or an allergic disease like asthma or hay fever. Studies have found this to be true for 70% of patients with atopic dermatitis.

Treatments

• This condition cannot be cured, but proper treatment can control it. A tailored treatment plan created by a board-certified dermatologist aims to keep the skin hydrated, reduce inflammation and the risk of infection, and minimize the itch associated with the rash. (2-4,6,7)

• Effective treatment often requires a multifaceted approach that includes medication, proper skin care, trigger avoidance, and coping mechanisms.

• Treatment to relieve symptoms may include:

  • Moisturizers to help soothe dry skin. (2)

  • Cold compresses, or wet wraps, to help relieve the itch. (2)

  • Trigger management to determine what is causing flare-ups. (7)

  • Medication applied to the skin including a corticosteroid cream or ointment. (2)

  • Phototherapy or immune-suppressing injections and oral medications, such as biologics and JAK inhibitors, to help relieve moderate to severe cases that do not respond to other therapies. (4)

Related Academy resources for the public

References

1. Sohn A, Frankel A, Patel RV, Goldenberg G. Eczema. Mt Sinai J Med. Sep-Oct 2011;78(5):730-9. doi:10.1002/msj.20289

2. Sidbury R, Alikhan A, Bercovitch L, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2023;89(1):e1-e20. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.12.029

3. Davis DMR, Drucker AM, Alikhan A, et al. American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines: Awareness of comorbidities associated with atopic dermatitis in adults. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2022;86(6):1335-1336.e18. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.01.009

4. Davis DMR, Drucker AM, Alikhan A, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024;90(2):e43-e56. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.08.102

5. Abuabara K, Magyari A, McCulloch CE, Linos E, Margolis DJ, Langan SM. Prevalence of Atopic Eczema Among Patients Seen in Primary Care: Data From The Health Improvement Network. Ann Intern Med. Mar 5 2019;170(5):354-356. doi:10.7326/M18-2246

6. Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Chamlin SL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 1. Diagnosis and assessment of atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. Feb 2014;70(2):338-51. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.10.010

7. Greenwell K, Ghio D, Muller I, et al. Taking charge of eczema self-management: a qualitative interview study with young people with eczema. BMJ open. 2021;11(1):e044005.

Last updated: 12/04/24