Chances are, youre here to look for answers about eczema (eg-zuh-MUH)and find support. Continue reading →

DermatitisSynonymsEczemaA moderate case of dermatitis of the handsSpecialtyDermatologySymptomsItchiness, red skin, rash[1]ComplicationsSkin infection[2]Usual onsetChildhood[1][2]CausesAtopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis[1][2]Diagnostic methodBased on symptom[1]Differential diagnosisScabies, psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis, lichen simplex chronicus[3]TreatmentMoisturizers, steroid creams, antihistamines[2][4]Frequency245 million (2015)[5] Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a group of diseases that results in inflammation of the skin.[1] These diseases are characterized by itchiness, red skin and a rash.[1] In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened.[1] The area of skin involved can vary from small to the entire body.[1][2] Dermatitis is a group of skin conditions that includes atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.[1][2] The exact cause of dermatitis is often unclear.[2] Cases may involve a combination of irritation, allergy and poor venous return.[1] The type of dermatitis is generally determined by the person's history and the location of the rash.[1] For example, irritant dermatitis often occurs on the hands of people who frequently get them wet.[1] Allergic contact dermatitis occurs upon exposure to an allergen, causing a hypersensitivity reaction in the skin.[1] Treatment of atopic dermatitis is typically with moisturizers and steroid creams.[4] The steroid creams should generally be of mid- to high strength and used for less than two weeks at a time as side effects can occur.[6] Antibiotics may be required if there are signs of skin infection.[2] Contact dermatitis is typically treated by avoiding the allergen or irritant.[7][8] Antihistamines may help with sleep and to decrease nighttime scratching.[2] Dermatitis was estimated to affect 245 million people globally in 2015.[5] Atopic dermatitis is the most common type and generally starts in childhood.[1][2] In the United States, it affects about 1030% of people.[2] Contact dermatitis is twice as common in females than males.[9] Allergic contact dermatitis affects about 7% of people at some point in time.[10] Irritant contact dermatitis is common, especially among people who do certain jobs; exact rates are unclear.[11] Dermatitis symptoms vary with all different forms of the condition. They range from skin rashes to bumpy rashes or including blisters. Continue reading →

Overview Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age Continue reading →