The word 'eczema' comes from Greek and literally means 'boiling over'. Normal skin acts as a barrier to prevent water loss and stop skin irritants from penetrating. If you have eczema your skin doesn't do this as effectively as it should, leading to dryness, itching and cracked, scaly skin which lets in bacteria and allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. It is not a contagious condition. Eczema is an allergic condition that affects the skin. Another name for eczema is dermatitis.

Eczema is a heterogeneous group of different non-infectious skin diseases which may be caused by irritative as well as immune mechanisms and lead to pathological changes in the epidermis and upper dermis (corium). It is the most common category of skin diseases. Eczematous disorders are also frequent occupational diseases. Eczema is a constellation of clinical findings, not a particular disease, and may manifest with erythema, papules, vesicles, crusts, weeping and oedema in its acute phase and with thickening of the skin, lichenification, and scaling in its chronic phase. Itching is a guiding symptom.

Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy. Atopic dermatitis often affects people with a family history of allergies. Those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers may develop eczema. Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma, or have family members who do.

Eczema can be triggered by just about anything coming in contact with the skin. It occurs in atopic people, who are extra sensitive to skin irritation. Dry, flaky skin appears over red, inflamed areas, causing intense itching and burning. Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. About 1-2 percent of adults have eczema, and as many as 20 percent of children are affected. It usually begins early in life, even before asthma or hay fever. Most affected individuals have their first episode before age 5 years.

For some, the disease will improve with time. For others, however, eczema is a chronic or recurrent disorder. Although it can occur just once, it usually occurs on and off throughout life, or lasts the entire lifetime. Eczema can be a difficult, frustrating condition. The natural human desire to scratch or rub an itchy rash just makes the condition worse, and treatments can be slow and are not always completely effective.

Never be afraid to question your doctor about the treatment he or she prescribes. Did you know that some eczema medications may carry cancer risk read more....