- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Eczema
May also be called: Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema (EX-eh-muh) is a term that refers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin has a sensitive, red and irritated rash.
More to Know
Eczema is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that is most commonly caused by atopic dermatitis. The word "atopic" describes conditions that happen when someone is overly sensitive to allergens in their environment, such as pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, and certain foods. "Dermatitis" means that the skin is inflamed (red and sore).
Eczema is not an allergy itself, but allergies can trigger eczema. Typically, eczema symptoms appear within the first few months of life, and almost always before a child turns 5. Eczema usually appears as itchy, dry, red skin that can get worse with scratching.
Eczema often runs in families, but it is not contagious. Many kids with eczema also will develop hay fever (seasonal allergies) or asthma. Researchers think it may be caused by a lack of certain proteins in the skin.
Treatment for eczema usually involves moisturizing creams, steroid creams, and non-steroid creams that can be applied directly to the affected skin. Doctors sometimes also recommend antihistamines to help control itching and antibiotics to treat secondary skin infections caused by scratching and breaks in the skin.
Keep in Mind
Eczema symptoms may disappear for a while and then come back, but more than half of the kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teenagers. Eczema symptoms can be controlled through treatment, keeping skin well moisturized, and avoiding allergens and other things that can irritate the skin.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.