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One in four people in the U.S. suffers from a skin disease, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Eczema, an inflammatory skin condition that results in dry, itchy skin, is remarkably prevalent, affecting around 30 million people nationwide—approximately 10% of the population[1]Eczema Stats. National Eczema Association. Accessed 9/8/2022. .

Eczema can be a lifelong condition for some and ranges in severity from mild to moderate or severe. It’s often characterized by flare-ups that are triggered by various factors. While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of eczema, here’s what you need to know about eczema causes, triggers and treatments, as well as when to see a health care provider.

“Eczema is a broad term that describes a skin condition when the skin becomes red, itchy, dry and sometimes flaky, and it may affect any part of the body,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. “The most common form of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, a skin condition marked by red, dry and itchy skin that impacts infants, children and adults.”

Eczema symptoms usually appear in early childhood, with about 80% of cases occurring prior to age 6, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). Although the condition is often outgrown, it may persist into adulthood, at which time different areas of the body may be affected than in childhood eczema, such as the face and eyelids. Symptoms may also become more severe with age, causing increased inflammation, pain and itchiness.

The range and severity of eczema symptoms can differ from person to person. For some, the condition causes mild, infrequent flare-ups that are easily treated with over-the-counter (OTC) creams and moisturizers. Others experience more frequent or severe episodes that interfere with daily activities and may require prescription medication. In extreme cases, eczema can lead to secondary skin infections. Other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever, are also commonly associated with eczema.

While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, a combination of genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved in its development. People with eczema often have a personal or family history of other allergies or asthma. Common among all people with eczema is extremely dry skin due to a dysfunctional skin barrier that loses water easily, which leads to hallmark itching and subsequent rashes.

Some suspected causes of eczema include:

Eczema symptoms vary from person to person and may differ at various times. The most common symptom is itching, which can be mild to severe.

According to Dr. Garshick, the most common eczema symptoms include:

“Atopic dermatitis is often itchy, which is why it is commonly referred to as the ‘itch that rashes,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It’s thought that the rash appears due to scratching. While eczema may appear anywhere, it commonly affects the flexural areas of the arms and legs, especially behind the knees, [as well as the] hands and areas on the face, such as the eyelids and around the mouth.”

Many people find certain substances can make their eczema worse. “Certain conditions and substances called triggers or trigger factors can cause eczema to flare up,” says Anna Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and published author.

According to Dr. Chacon, some common eczema triggers include:

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Treatment options for eczema vary depending on the severity of the condition and symptoms experienced. For mild cases, creams and ointments, such as topical corticosteroid medications that reduce inflammation, may be enough to manage symptoms.

For more severe cases that cause tremendous itching, rashes, discomfort and frequent infections, prescription medications may be necessary. These medications include topical creams and ointments, oral medications and other types of therapy, such as bleach baths and light therapy.

Common treatments for eczema include:

“It’s important to treat eczema not just to help improve symptoms, but also [because] when the skin barrier is compromised, it can leave the skin susceptible to infection,” says Dr. Garshick.

There are several ways to minimize the risk of triggering an eczema flare or worsening an existing one, according to the ADD, including:

According to both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Chacon, there’s no cure for eczema—but there are ways to manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

“Eczema is a chronic condition, so technically, there is no cure,” explains Dr. Chacon. “However, there are treatments that are very effective in reducing the symptoms of itchy and dry skin.” Dr. Chacon also emphasizes that some children may outgrow their eczema with age.

Eczema damages the skin barrier, leading to several complications, including an increased risk of infection. Pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, can enter the skin through cracks and open wounds, potentially leading to skin infections like impetigo, cellulitis and herpes simplex virus (HSV). In some cases, these infections can be dangerous or even life-threatening.

Eczema can also cause social and emotional concerns, including depression and anxiety. The condition can be painful and make everyday activities difficult, leading to an increased risk of new-onset mental health conditions, according to a 2019 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology[2]Schonmann Y, et al. Atopic Eczema in Adulthood and Risk of Depression and Anxiety: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2019;8(1):248-257. .

A physical exam and thorough medical history are usually enough to diagnose eczema. Your health care provider will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms and when they started. They’ll also ask about your family history, as eczema often runs in families.

Your doctor may also order a skin biopsy to look at your cells under a microscope, which can help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Allergists play an important role in diagnosing and managing eczema. Their specialized training makes them experts in both skin conditions and allergies, which can be helpful in pinpointing the root cause of eczema flares and developing an effective treatment plan.

If you think you might have eczema, it’s essential to see a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. “It’s best to see a doctor if [eczema] is not responsive to at-home care, including moisturizers and gentle cleansers, or if it’s itchy, uncomfortable or impacting sleep or quality of life,” says Dr. Garshick.

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Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and professional writer who regularly writes about complex medical topics, as well as travel and the great outdoors. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University School of Medicine and has contributed to many major publications including Insider and Verywell. As a passionate advocate for science-based content, she loves writing captivating material that supports scientific research and education. In her spare time, you can often find her exploring nature with her husband and three children.

Dr. Shah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cornell University's world renowned school of nutrition. She went on to receive her Medical Doctorate with Distinction. With training from Cornell, Harvard and Columbia, she helps busy people transform their health using cutting edge nutritional and medical science. Her proven techniques to heal inflammation utilize the power of the microbiome to help digestion, obtain natural hormone balance and heal food sensitivities. She is a well-known expert on intermittent fasting for women, and currently, a practicing allergist and immunologist in Phoenix/Glendale, Arizona.