Eczema is a condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. The word eczema is often used when referring to atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type. Eczema is a common condition that isn’t contagious.

Eczema typically starts during infancy or early childhood and continues into adulthood.

The exact cause of eczema is not completely understood. It runs in families, which suggests a genetic link. It’s also linked to asthma and allergies. The condition tends to flare up due to exposure to environmental factors like smoke, air pollutants, cosmetics, laundry products, perfumes, pollen, dander, cold & dry weather or even stress.

Common Causes of Eczema

• Genetics
• compromised skin barrier
• Problems in the way your immune system
• Exposure to smoke, air pollutants, cosmetics, laundry products, perfumes, pollen, dander etc.
• Cold or dry environments.
• Sweating
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Rapid temperature changes

Complications of Eczema

• Dry skin that is easily irritated
• Skin infections
• Asthma or hay fever (can happen before or after developing eczema)
• Eye problems, such as eyelid dermatitis or cataracts
• Sleep problems
• Emotional stress

Symptoms of Eczema

• Dry, scaly patches on the skin
• Itchy skin
• Rash that varies in color to your normal skin tone
• Small bumps on the skin
• Swelling
• A thickened skin (in chronic eczema)