Dermatology focuses on the health of the skin, hair, and nails. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of acne, eczema, skin cancer, and cosmetic procedures.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Eczema is a long-lasting skin problem that causes dryness, redness, itching, and irritation. It can look different and be mild or severe at different times. Eczema isn’t just one illness—it’s a group of skin conditions that make the skin more sensitive and likely to react to things around you, leading to flare-ups that can be uncomfortable.
Eczema happens when the skin’s barrier gets weak, so it loses moisture and lets in things that can irritate it. The immune system in the skin then overreacts, causing inflammation, itching, redness, and rashes—even from minor triggers.
Eczema can happen at any age and can show up on different parts of the body, like the hands, face, or scalp. For some people, it stays in one spot; for others, it spreads. Eczema usually comes and goes, with flares followed by better periods.
Eczema isn’t contagious and isn’t caused by being unclean. It happens because of a mix of genetics, immune system reactions, skin strength, and things in your environment. Because of this, eczema is different for everyone and is usually managed by controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups, not by curing it completely.
Eczema is defined as an inflammatory condition of the skin marked by itching, redness, dryness, and episodic rash formation due to skin barrier dysfunction and immune sensitivity.
In healthy skin, the outer layer acts as a strong barrier that retains moisture and protects against irritants. In eczema, this barrier is compromised, leading to increased water loss and heightened skin reactivity.
Key characteristics of eczema include
• Chronic or recurrent inflammation of the skin
• Impaired skin barrier function
• Increased sensitivity to environmental triggers
• Periods of flare and remission
These features distinguish eczema from temporary skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Eczema alters both the structure and function of the skin.
The weakened barrier allows irritants, allergens, and microbes to interact more easily with deeper skin layers. This interaction activates immune responses that cause inflammation, redness, and itching.
Consequences of barrier disruption include
• Persistent dryness
• Increased itch sensitivity
• Greater risk of skin cracking and irritation
Scratching further damages the barrier, creating a cycle that can prolong symptoms.
Immune activity plays a central role in eczema development.
In eczema, immune cells in the skin become overly responsive, producing inflammatory signals that lead to visible rash and discomfort. This response can occur even without obvious external allergens, reflecting an underlying sensitivity rather than direct exposure alone.
This immune involvement explains why eczema may worsen during stress, illness, or environmental change.
Eczema includes several subtypes with distinct features.
Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form and often begins in childhood. It is associated with a personal or family history of allergic conditions and tends to involve dry, itchy skin with recurrent flares.
Dyshidrotic eczema primarily affects the hands and feet and is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters that can be intensely itchy. Episodes may be triggered by stress, sweating, or skin irritation.
This form appears as round or coin-shaped patches of inflamed skin, often on the arms or legs, and may be mistaken for fungal infections due to its appearance.
Eczema affecting the scalp or areas rich in oil glands may present with redness and scaling, reflecting interaction between skin inflammation and oil production.
Eczema is often compared with other inflammatory skin disorders.
While both conditions cause redness and scaling, eczema typically involves intense itching and a disrupted skin barrier, whereas psoriasis is characterized by thicker plaques and faster skin cell turnover. Accurate distinction is important for appropriate management.
Eczema is generally considered a long-term condition.
Because the underlying skin barrier and immune sensitivity remain present, eczema often follows a pattern of improvement and relapse. Triggers may vary over time, but the predisposition usually remains.
Understanding this chronic nature helps set realistic expectations for management and prevention.
Although not life-threatening, eczema can significantly affect comfort and well-being.
Persistent itching, visible rash, and skin discomfort may interfere with sleep, concentration, and self-confidence. These effects highlight the importance of comprehensive care that addresses both physical symptoms and daily quality of life.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing itching, redness, and dryness.
No, eczema cannot be passed from person to person.
No, they are different conditions with distinct causes and features.
Yes, it can occur in infants, children, and adults.
It is often long-term but can be managed with consistent care.
pigmentation Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions. It causes more than just itchy skin. It can also change the skin’s color, making
Eczema affects over 31 million Americans, causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Finding the right cleanser is key to managing it. Many wonder if Dove
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects over 31 million Americans. It makes the skin dry, itchy, and inflamed. This can
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions. It causes discomfort and distress. It can show up in many parts of the body, even
Eczema affects over 31 million Americans, causing discomfort, pain, and emotional distress. This complex condition requires a permanent cure for those affected. We understand the
Did you know millions of people worldwide have eczema? It’s a chronic skin condition that makes skin itchy and inflamed. Recent studies found a link
Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
