Dermatology Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Keratosis pilaris - close-up Atopy on the ankles Show all 11 photos Eczema Definition Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Alternative Names Infantile eczema; Atopic dermatitis; Dermatitis - atopic Causes, incidence, and risk factors Eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Long-term irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and have a leather-like texture. Eczema is most common in infants. The condition tends to run in families. People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema. The following can make eczema symptoms worse: Dry skin Exposure to environmental irritants Exposure to water Stress Temperature changes Symptoms Blisters with oozing and crusting Dry, leathery skin areas Ear discharge or bleeding Intense itching Rash In children younger than age 2, skin lesions begin on the cheeks, elbows, or knees In adults, the rash is more commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows Raw areas of the skin from scratching Skin coloring changes -- more or less coloring than the normal skin tone (See: Skin abnormally dark or light) Skin redness or inflammation around the blisters Signs and tests Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and on personal and family history. The health care provider should examine the lesions to rule out other possible causes. A skin lesion biopsy may be performed, but is not always required to make the diagnosis. Treatment Treatment can vary depending on the appearance (stage) of the lesions. "Weeping" lesions, dry scaly lesions, or chronic dry, thickened lesions are each treated differently. Avoid anything that makes your symptoms worse. This may include food allergens and irritants such as wool and lanolin. When washing or bathing, keep water contact as brief as possible and use less soap than usual. Continue reading this article

More Articles

Acne (2 Videos, 12 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or"zits.".Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which ...Reviewer: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/14/2008
Email  |  Save

Contact dermatitis (11 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance.Dermatitis- contact; Allergic dermatitis; Dermatitis- allergic; Poison ivy; Poison oak; Poison sumac.Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of t...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/05/2008
Email  |  Save

Psoriasis (1 Video, 1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most persons with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.Reviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA (4/14/2008).Date: 04/10/2009
Email  |  Save

Rosacea (3 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne.Although the cause of rosacea is...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/05/2008
Email  |  Save

Itching (1 Video, 3 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the affected area.Itching may occur all over the whole body(generalized) or only in one location(localized).Aging skin Atopic dermatitis Contact dermatitis( poison ivy ...Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/22/2008
Email  |  Save

Scabies (6 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a species of mite that is very small.Scabies is found worldwide among people of all groups and ages. It is spread by direct contact with infected people and less often by sharing clothing or bedding. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/11/2008
Email  |  Save

Athlete's foot (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Athlete''s foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/12/2007
Email  |  Save

Stasis dermatitis and ulcers (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition due to the buildup of fluid(swelling) under the skin.The extra fluid that builds up in the body makes it hard for the blood to feed cells and get rid of waste products. The tissue becomes poorly nourished and ...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/11/2008
Email  |  Save

Rashes (15 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Skin redness or inflammation; Skin lesion; Rubor; Skin rash; Erythema.A simple rash is called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis is caused by things your skin touches, such as:.Chemicals in elastic, latex, and rubber ...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/18/2007
Email  |  Save

Poison ivy - oak - sumac (1 Video, 3 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Poison ivy, oak, or sumac poisoning is an allergic reaction that results from touching the sap of these plants. The sap may be on the plant, in the ashes of burned plants, on an animal, or on other objects that came in contact with the plant, such...Reviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/20/2008).Date: 02/17/2009
Email  |  Save

Actinic keratosis (5 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth on the skin.Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes- keratosis; Keratosis- actinic(solar).Actinic keratosis is caused by sun exposure. It occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially in the elderly and...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/11/2008
Email  |  Save

Erysipelas (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Erysipelas is a type of skin infection( cellulitis).Erysipelas is usually caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. The condition may affect both children and adults.A cut in the skin Problems with drainage through the veins or lymph system Skin s...Reviewer: Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/15/2008
Email  |  Save

Acrodermatitis (3 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Acrodermatitis is a childhood skin condition that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B and other viral infections.Papular acrodermatitis of childhood; Gianotti-Crosti syndrome; Acrode...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/12/2007
Email  |  Save

Use Healthline to search the web for more Dermatology information.