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Eczema also known as dermatitis is a term for a group of medical conditions that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated. Eczema can affect people of any age, although the condition is most common in infants. People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but an abnormal function of the immune system is believed to be a factor. Various forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as harsh soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Eczema can sometimes occur as a brief reaction that only leads to symptoms for a few hours or days, but in other cases, the symptoms persist over a longer time and are referred to as chronic dermatitis.
Eczema most commonly causes dry, reddened skin that itches or burns. Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. Extreme itching is generally the first symptom in most people with eczema. Occasionally, eczema may lead to blisters and oozing lesions, or it can also result in dry and scaly skin. Repeated scratching may lead to thickened, crusty skin.
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