Eczema: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, And Types

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeExplore more in Eczema

Related Topics

Causes & Risk Factors
Causes & Risk Factors
Related Articles
- Sweat
- Gut Health
- Menopause
- Causes Overview
- Hot Water
- Pets
- Retinol
- Climate
- Genetics
- Antibiotics
- Overwashing Hands
- Dust Mites
- Laundry Detergent
- Smoking
- Stress
- Hard Water
- Food Allergies
- Pollution
- Skin Microbiome
- Climate Change
Complications
Complications
Related Articles
- Infected Eczema
- Scarring
- Topical Steroid Withdrawal
- Nausea
- Bacterial Infections
- Weeping Eczema
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Related Articles
- On Skin of Color
- Skin Biopsy
Diet
Diet
Related Articles
- Diet Overview
- Gluten
- Alcohol
- Coffee
Home Remedies
Home Remedies
Related Articles
- Supplements
- Overview of Home Remedies
- Baking Soda Bath
- Best Soaps
- Coconut Oil
- Castor Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Aloe Vera
- Zinc Oxide Creams and Supplements
- Aquaphor
- Petroleum Jelly
- Epsom Salt
- Calendula
- Shea Butter
- Honey
- Oatmeal Bath
- Wet Wraps
- Manuka Honey
- Humidifier
- Bleach Baths
- Vitamin D
- Benadryl
- Probiotics
- Over-the-Counter Remedies
- Essential Oils
- UV Light Therapy
- Sunflower Oil
- Vitamin E
- Music Therapy
Location
Location
Related Articles
- Inside the Elbow
- Behind the Knees
- Neck
- Hands
- Feet
- Lips
- Penis
- Scalp
- Breast
- Eyelids
- Vulva
- Child's Face
- Face
- Shin
- Nipple
- Facial Eczema on Skin of Color
- Scrotum
Management
Management
Related Articles
- Stop Itching at Night
- Eczema-Friendly Fabrics
- Vaccines
- Lip Balms
- Is Eczema a Disability?
- Exfoliating
- Stop Itching in Babies
- Best Baby Eczema Creams
- Sunlight
- Managing Skin Wounds and Burns
- Swimming
- Managing Eczema and Asthma
- Best Lotions
- Intimacy
- Skin Care Routine
- Sunscreen
- Finding a Support Group
- Physical Activity
Prevention
Prevention
Related Articles
- Prevent Flares in Winter
- Prevention Overview
- In Babies
Prognosis
Prognosis
Related Articles
- How Can It Spread?
- Outlook Overview
- Is It Contagious?
- Fatality Risk
Related Conditions
Related Conditions
Related Articles
- Vs. Contact Dermatitis
- Vs. Scabies
- Vs. Hives
- Vs. Scalp Psoriasis
- Vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Vs. Athlete's Foot
- Vs. Atopic Dermatitis
- Constipation
- Asthma
- Vs. Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Vs. Paget Disease
- Oral Health
- Vs. Dry Skin
- Vs. Rosacea
- Nummular Eczema Vs. Ringworm
- Vs. Prurigo Nodularis
- Depression
- Allergies
Stages
Stages
Related Articles
- Healing Stages Overview
- How Does It Start?
- Progression
- Acute Eczema
Symptoms
Symptoms
Related Articles
- Hand Pimples
- Skin Discoloration
- Itching
- Lesions
- Immune System
- Symptoms Overview
- Inflammation
- Common Symptoms & Triggers
Treatment
Treatment
Related Articles
- Elidel Cream
- Dupixent
- Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream
- Treatment Overview
- How to Treat Atopic Dermatitis
- Hydrocortisone
- Eczema Pills
- Acupuncture
- Nonsteroid Creams
- Topical Tacrolimus
- Eucrisa
- Ebglyss
- Treating Scalp Eczema in Black Women
- Opzelura
- Topical and Oral Steroids
- Laser Treatment
- Steroid Creams
- Immunomodulatory Treatments
- Pramoxine Cream
- Why Eczema Treatments Fail and What to Do
- Dyshidrotic Treatment
- JAK inhibitors
Types
Types
Related Articles
- Dyshidrotic
- Types of Eczema
- Papular
- Images of Eczema Types
- Eczema Herpeticum
- Flexural
- Postpartum
- Baby Eczema
- Discoid
- Pregnancy
- Follicular
- Varicose
- Asteatotic
- Eczema Coxsackium
- Nummular
- Toddler
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Intrinsic Atopic Dermatitis

Charting the Course with Eczema thumbnail image

Charting the Course with EczemaContent created by Medical News Today and supported by advertising. Learn moreWhat to know about eczema

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by James McIntosh — Updated on July 17, 2025

What is eczema?
Symptoms
Causes
Treatments
FAQ
Summary

Key takeaways

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition. Characteristic features include itchy, rough patches of skin. While it commonly begins in childhood, it can also affect adults.
Symptoms of eczema can vary depending on age and skin tone. However, common symptoms include dry, scaly skin, thickened or discolored patches, and intense itching that can lead to skin infections. People with darker skin tones may experience patches of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Although there is currently no cure for eczema, treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. These include topical creams, oral medications, phototherapy, and home remedies. Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as irritants, allergens, and extreme temperatures, is also important.

Eczema affects 31.6 million people in the United States, which is nearly 10% of the population.

This article will look at eczema and its different types, and discuss the skin condition’s symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is Eczema (atopic dermatitis)?

a woman applying cream to eczema on her arm — Ulrich Zillmann/Getty Images

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is an inflammatory skin condition that may cause itchy, rough patches on a person’s skin.

AD is most common in childhood. Approximately 1 in 4 children develop AD, with symptoms appearing by the age of 5 years. By adolescence, approximately 60% of people with AD will no longer show symptoms.

That said, around 2–3% of adults have AD.

Types

AD is commonly used to describe eczema because it is the most common type.

That said, there are other forms of the skin condition, including:

Allergic contact dermatitis: This is a skin reaction that occurs following contact with a substance or allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.
Dyshidrotic eczema: This refers to irritation of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is characterized by small blisters.
Neurodermatitis: This leads to scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. It occurs due to a localized itch, such as from an insect bite.
Discoid eczema: Also known as nummular eczema, this type presents itself as circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy.
Stasis dermatitis: This refers to skin irritation of the lower leg. It is usually related to circulatory problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AD vary by individual and may depend on a few factors, such as a person’s age, skin tone, and the condition’s severity.

In most cases, AD symptoms are mild. However, symptoms may come and go and vary in severity.

Flare-ups refer to periods when symptoms worsen, while remissions are when symptoms improve or clear up.

The most common symptoms of AD include:

dry, scaly patches of skin
thickened, discolored skin
open, crusted, or weeping sores
skin flushing
itching

The appearance of skin affected by AD will also depend on how much a person scratches their rashes.

For example, people with severe eczema may experience severe itching that could lead to continuous rubbing and scratching. This may cause skin infections like infected eczema.

The location, type, and severity of rashes may also vary depending on a person’s age.

Infants

Babies under the age of 2 may experience:

rashes on the scalp and cheeks
rashes that bubble up before leaking fluid
rashes that cause extreme itchiness, which may interfere with sleeping

Childhood

Children from the ages of 2 to puberty may experience rashes that appear:

behind the creases of elbows or knees
on the neck, wrists, and ankles
in the crease between the buttocks and legs

They may also experience:

bumpy rashes
rashes that can become lighter or darker
skin thickening, also known as lichenification, which can then develop into a permanent itch

African American and Hispanic children may also have more severe eczema.

Adults

Adults may experience eczema rashes that could:

be more scaly than those occurring in children
appear in the creases of the elbows, knees, or nape of the neck
cover much of the body
be permanently itchy

People over 18 years old may also experience skin infections or very dry skin on the affected area.

Adults who developed AD as children but no longer experience the condition may still have:

dry or easily irritated skin
hand eczema
eczema on the eyelids

Age	Location	Symptoms
Babies (under 2 years)	• scalp• cheeks	• rashes may bubble up before leaking fluid• extreme itchiness, which may interfere with sleeping
Children (2–puberty)	• behind the creases of elbows or knees• neck• wrists• ankles• crease between the buttocks and legs	• bumpy rashes• rashes may become lighter or darker• skin thickening, also known as lichenification, which can then develop into a permanent itch
Adults (18+)	• creases of the elbows, knees, or nape of the neck• cover much of the body	• more scaly rashes• very dry skin on the affected areas• permanently itchy rashes• skin infections

Skin tones

An eczema rash may appear gray or brown in people with dark skin tones, which could make AD harder to see.

That said, people with darker skin tones may also get dark or light skin patches even after eczema symptoms go away. These patches are known as hyperpigmentation, depigmentation, or hypopigmentation. They may last a long time.

A dermatologist can look at these patches and develop a treatment plan, which may include steroid creams.

Learn more about eczema in People of Color.

Causes

There is no known cause of eczema. However, health professionals believe that it may develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Children are more likely to develop eczema if a parent has it or another atopic condition, such as asthma and hay fever. If both parents have an atopic condition, the risk is even higher.

Some environmental factors may also bring out the symptoms of eczema, such as:

Irritants: These include soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, and juices from fresh fruits, meats, and vegetables.
Allergens: Dust mites, pets, pollens, and mold can all lead to eczema. This is known as allergic eczema.
Microbes: These include bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and certain fungi.
Hot and cold temperatures: Very hot and very cold weather, high and low humidity, and perspiration from exercise can bring out eczema.
Foods: Dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, and wheat can cause eczema flares.
Stress: This is not a direct cause of eczema, but it can make the symptoms worse.
Hormones: Females may experience increased eczema symptoms when their hormone levels are changing, such as during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.

Treatments

There is currently no cure for AD. However, treatments aim to heal the affected skin and prevent symptom flare-ups.

A doctor will develop a treatment plan based on a person’s:

age
symptoms
current health condition

For some people, eczema may go away over time. For others, it is a lifelong condition.

Medications

Several types of medications may help treat eczema symptoms.

Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments: These anti-inflammatory medications are applied directly to the skin to help relieve the main symptoms of eczema, such as inflammation and itchiness. They are available as over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications, depending on the strength needed.
Oral medications: A doctor may prescribe systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, which are available as injections or oral tablets. People should only use them for short periods of time. Also, it is important to note that the symptoms may worsen upon stopping these drugs if the person is not already taking another medication for the condition.
Antibiotics: Doctors prescribe antibiotics if eczema occurs alongside a bacterial skin infection.
Antihistamines: These can reduce the risk of nighttime scratching, as they tend to cause drowsiness.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These medications suppress the immune system, which helps decrease inflammation and prevent flares.
Barrier repair moisturizers: These reduce water loss and work to repair the skin.
Phototherapy: This involves exposure to ultraviolet (UV) waves and may help treat moderate AD.

To treat moderate to severe eczema, a doctor may prescribe a combination of topical and systemic treatments, such as biologics.

Biologics block specific proteins in the immune system that trigger inflammation, which can help reduce eczema symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two biologics to treat eczema: dupilumab (Dupixent) and tralokinumab-ldrm (Adbry). However, they may cause side effects, which are usually mild and manageable.

Topical JAK inhibitors and topical PDE4 inhibitors have also both been approved by the FDA to help treat AD.

Even after an area of skin has healed, it is important to keep looking after it, as it may easily become irritated again.

Home care

Some home remedies may help people with eczema support their skin health and alleviate symptoms, including:

taking lukewarm baths
applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to “lock in” moisture
moisturizing every day
wearing cotton and soft fabrics
avoiding rough, scratchy fibers and tight-fitting clothing
using a humidifier in dry or cold weather
using a mild soap or a nonsoap cleanser when washing
taking extra precautions to prevent eczema flares in winter
air drying or gently patting the skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing the skin after bathing or taking a shower
avoiding rapid changes in temperature and activities that cause sweating
learning and avoiding individual eczema triggers
keeping fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking the skin

People can also try various natural remedies for eczema, including aloe vera, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar.

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for eczema in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions

What causes eczema to start?

The cause of eczema is unknown. However, certain triggers may cause AD symptoms to flare up.

These may include:

certain irritants, like soaps, detergents, and shampoos
allergens, like dust mites and mold
very hot or very cold temperatures
some foods
stress

How can eczema be cured?

There is currently no cure for eczema. But, some different treatment options may help people manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

These may include:

systemic therapies
phototherapy
oral medications
topical ointments
home remedies

A person should speak with a doctor to develop the best treatment plan for them.

Summary

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is more cost common in children, although adults may still develop it.

The most common type is called atopic dermatitis (AD), which may cause discomfort and vary in severity. It can present differently depending on a person’s age. In people with darker skin tones, the symptoms may be harder to see.

Although there is currently no cure, people can treat and prevent eczema flares using home remedies, moisturizers, medications, and lifestyle changes.

Dermatology
Psoriasis
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Atopic dermatitis. (2022). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis
Childhood eczema. (n.d.). https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/collection/childhood-eczema/?utm_content=buffer0e657&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Eczema. (n.d.). https://skinofcolorsociety.org/patient-dermatology-education/eczema/
Eczema and bathing. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/bathing/
Eczema stats. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/
Eczema treatment: Antibiotics and other antimicrobials. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/antibiotics-antimicrobials
Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis causes. (2022). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/causes
How to treat eczema at home. (2022). https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-treat-eczema-at-home#
Over-the-counter treatments for eczema. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/over-the-counter/
Prescription injectables. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/injectibles/
Prescription oral. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/immunosuppressants/
Prescription phototherapy. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/phototherapy/
Prescription topicals. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/topicals/
The impact of the environment on eczema. (2022). https://nationaleczema.org/blog/envirome-research/
Wet wrap therapy. (n.d.). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/wet-wrap-therapy/
What causes eczema? (n.d.). https://www.eczemacouncil.org/what-causes-eczema-

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by James McIntosh — Updated on July 17, 2025

Related Topics

Causes & Risk Factors

Related Articles

Complications

Related Articles

Diagnosis

Related Articles

Diet

Related Articles

Home Remedies

Related Articles

Location

Related Articles

Management

Related Articles

Prevention

Related Articles

Prognosis

Related Articles

Related Conditions

Related Articles

Stages

Related Articles

Symptoms

Related Articles

Treatment

Related Articles

Types

Related Articles

Key takeaways

What is Eczema (atopic dermatitis)?

Types

Symptoms

Infants

Childhood

Adults

Skin tones

Causes

Treatments

Medications

Home care

Frequently asked questions

What causes eczema to start?

How can eczema be cured?

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

More in Charting the Course with Eczema

Related Coverage

Contact