Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin. Understanding eczema symptoms, common triggers, and eczema treatment options can help you manage flares and protect your skin. Symptoms often come and go, with periods of improvement followed by flares, but the right skin-care routine and treatment plan can help reduce discomfort and prevent symptoms from worsening. At Allergy & Asthma Physicians of Commerce Township, we help patients find their eczema triggers and build a care plan at our Commerce Township and Mount Clemens offices.

What Causes Eczema and What Triggers Flares?

Eczema is related to a weakened skin barrier and an overactive immune response. People with eczema may have skin that loses moisture more easily and is more sensitive to irritants and allergens.

Common eczema triggers include:

• Dry or cold weather
• Heat and sweating
• Soaps, detergents, and fragrances
• Certain fabrics, such as wool
• Stress
• Dust, pollen, or pet allergens
• Food triggers may affect symptoms in some patients, especially children, but they are not the cause of eczema for most people.

Triggers can vary from person to person. Identifying and avoiding your individual triggers can help reduce flares.

Eczema Symptoms: Dry, Itchy, and Irritated Skin

Common symptoms include dry, itchy, red, scaly, or irritated skin. The skin may become rough, cracked, swollen, or develop small bumps. Scratching can cause the skin to break open and may increase the risk of infection.

Eczema can appear on the face, hands, arms, legs, neck, and in skin folds. The location and appearance can vary depending on age and skin tone.

Because eczema symptoms can look different from person to person, a diagnosis usually considers both the appearance of the skin and the pattern of flares over time.

How Is Eczema Diagnosed?

Our team will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers. In most cases, eczema can be diagnosed based on your history and physical examination.

If your symptoms suggest that food or environmental allergies may be contributing to your eczema, we may recommend allergy testing. Testing can help identify possible triggers, but it is most useful when results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.

Eczema Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on repairing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, controlling itching, and preventing future flares. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include moisturizers, topical medications, antihistamines, or other prescription treatments.

We can help create a treatment plan based on the severity and location of your eczema.

The best results usually come from combining daily moisture care with flare treatment when symptoms worsen.

Eczema Skin Care Tips for Dry, Itchy Skin

Dry skin, also called xerosis, is common with eczema. It can occur anywhere but is especially noticeable on the hands, arms, legs, and areas exposed to dry air.

Daily skin care can help:

• Take short, lukewarm baths or showers.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
• Apply a thick moisturizer immediately after bathing.
• Moisturize at least twice daily or whenever your skin feels dry.
• Avoid fragranced lotions, harsh soaps, and irritating products.
• Use a humidifier when indoor air is dry.

How to Relieve an Eczema Flare

When a flare occurs, moisturize often, avoid known triggers, and use prescribed medication exactly as directed. Try not to scratch; cool compresses and short fingernails can help reduce irritation and prevent skin damage.

Contact us if your rash is worsening, painful, spreading, or showing signs of infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, drainage, crusting, or fever.

Related conditions we treat include contact dermatitis and hives and swelling. You can also see all the allergy conditions we treat.

Medically reviewed by Pulin P. Patel, DO, FACAAI