Eczema
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Eczema
Eczema is a group of chronic skin disorders that affect the hands, scalp, face, back of the neck, and skin creases of the elbows and knees. It can run in families; however, it may occur for no known reason or be caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods, clothing, lotions, soaps, plants, or topical medications.
Signs and symptoms of eczema may include itching, small blisters with oozing, and thickened and scaly skin.
Eczema can be treated with preventive measures and medications. The goals of treatment are to ease symptoms, especially itching, and to control the rash.
Atopic dermatitis is one type of eczema.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 5, 2008 |
| Last updated: | May 05, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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