What is Eczema?

The meaning of the word “eczema” can cause confusion. Many people use this word to refer to a common skin condition called atopic dermatitis. When this is the meaning, the words “eczema/atopic dermatitis” may be used.

The word “eczema” also has a more general meaning. Eczema can mean a family of skin conditions that causes the skin to become swollen, irritated, and itchy.

Many skin conditions are considered a type of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is one type. Other types include hand dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is a mild type of seborrheic dermatitis. Diaper rash and the rash that many people get after coming into contact with poison ivy are other types of eczema.

What Eczema Looks Like

What Causes Eczema?
What causes some types of eczema is clear-cut. One type of eczema, irritant contact dermatitis, develops after frequent exposure to a mild irritant such as a detergent or brief exposure to a strong irritant such as battery acid. Another type, allergic contact dermatitis develops when an allergen (substance to which a person is allergic) touches the skin. Common allergens include poison ivy and nickel. A nickel allergy is actually one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Many everyday objects contain nickel, including coins, buttons, jewelry, and eyeglass frames.

The exact cause of other types of eczema is not fully understood. Researchers believe that atopic dermatitis develops when many factors combine. These factors include inheriting certain genes, having an overactive immune system, and having something that dermatologists call a “barrier defect.” A barrier defect is a term that means “gaps in the skin.” These gaps allow the skin to lose water too quickly. The gaps also allow germs and other things too small to see with the naked eye to enter the body.

Seborrheic dermatitis is another type of eczema that seems to develop when a number of factors interact. These factors include the person’s genes, yeast that live on human skin, stress, climate, and overall general health. Research shows that seborrheic dermatitis tends to be severe in people who have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This indicates that the person’s immune system plays a role.

How do Dermatologists Diagnose Eczema?
If your dermatologist suspects any type of eczema, the doctor will take a complete medical history, ask about your (or your child’s) symptoms, and examine your (or your child’s) skin. This provides enough information to accurately diagnose many types of eczema.

If there are telltale signs that this is an allergic reaction, your dermatologist may order a test called the “patch test.” Patch testing can help identify everyday substances to which a person is allergic.

Sometimes eczema can be easy to diagnose, but a challenge to treat. Teaming up with a dermatologist can help.

More Information
Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
Types of Eczema

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology