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Eczema is an allergic condition that affects the skin. Another name for eczema is dermatitis. Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. There are several different types of dermatitis, but the one people usually mean when they say eczema is atopic dermatitis. Atopic refers to a lifelong tendency to allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
Eczema can be triggered by just about anything coming in contact with the skin. It occurs in atopic people, who are extra sensitive to skin irritation. Dry, flaky skin appears over red, inflamed areas, causing intense itching and burning.
Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. About 1-2 percent of adults have eczema, and as many as 20 percent of children are affected. It usually begins early in life, even before asthma or hay fever. Most affected individuals have their first episode before age 5 years.
For some, the disease will improve with time. For others, however, eczema is a chronic or recurrent disorder. Although it can occur just once, it usually occurs on and off throughout life, or lasts the entire lifetime.
Eczema can be a difficult, frustrating condition. The natural human desire to scratch or rub an itchy rash just makes the condition worse, and treatments can be slow and are not always completely effective.
