What Is Eczema? A Beginner’s Guide & Care Tips

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema in adults and children and typically begins during the first six months of your life. It takes the form of dry skin and painful, itchy rashes.[4]

Contact dermatitis, which often occurs on the hands, is triggered by something making contact with your skin and causing irritation or an allergic reaction like an itchy rash. Your skin may also burn or sting and you may develop hives or fluid-filled blisters.[5]

This appears as a yellow or red rash that causes scales. The rash often appears along your hairline and scalp although it can appear in other areas. [6]

The most common symptoms of this type of eczema are very small and itchy blisters on your hands or feet.[7]

More common in middle-aged, the main symptom is the appearance of round lesions on the skin.[8]

This form of eczema is characterized by patches of itchy violet or red skin. Itching may become more intense when you’re relaxing or in bed.[9]

This eczema is confined to the legs and is caused by poor circulation. Fluid pools under the skin of the ankles and lower legs leading to swelling and red, itchy, scaly skin.[8]

Moisturize your skin regularly and after bathing. Look for products such as Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream that not only moisturizes your skin, but is clinically proven to help repair your damaged skin barrier. It’s recommended that people with eczema-prone skin use a fragrance-free moisturizer and apply it while the skin is still slightly damp as this can help to lock in moisture.[2]

Include sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine to protect your skin against sun damage and further damage to your skin barrier function by UV rays such as Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30.

Enjoy a short 5 to 10 minute soothing lukewarm bath. A short bath can help to hydrate your skin and clean away any crusts, scales, bacteria or irritants.[2] A gentle cleanser can be used like Cetaphil Flare-Up Relief Body Wash, which is a creamy wash that can help soothe your skin and repair your skin barrier.

Resist the urge to scratch. Scratching worsens the condition and can cause wounds and lead to infection.[3,4] Instead, use products that can help relieve itchiness, like Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Itch Relief Gel that comes with a cool-touch applicator to instantly soothe your skin.

A: No. You can't catch eczema from someone else.[1]

A: It’s possible, but everyone’s experience of eczema is different. While many children outgrow eczema, it can reappear in adulthood. Eczema can develop in adults too, although it’s not as common as developing it in childhood.[3]

A: There is no cure for eczema, but by avoiding your triggers, using prescribed medication if needed, maintaining a good skincare regime, and using products that are specifically designed to help manage eczema you can help manage your symptoms.[11]

A: It's important to know your triggers so you can manage some of your symptoms and reduce the number of eczema flare-ups you experience, but it’s almost impossible to prevent all eczema breakouts.[11]

A: Research shows that certain foods could trigger eczema flare-ups in some people. These tend to be foods that have a high nickel content. They include beans, lentils, peas, soy, shellfish, processed meats, chocolate, nuts, seeds, black tea, and canned goods.[12]