Health Conditions

Atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of the illness, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all cases. This form of eczema causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy, scaly, and swollen. It often runs in families and is frequently associated with asthma and hay fever. Individuals of all ages and both males and females can be affected. However, atopic eczema appears to occur more frequently in infants and young adults. In infants and young adults, the outbreaks frequently occur on the forearms or the back of the legs behind the knee joint. In adults, the disease is usually confined to the hands. Typically, when an outbreak of atopic eczema occurs, it initiates the "itch and scratch cycle": an itch causes more scratching and more scratching causes more itching. Eventually, this cycle may lead to breaking of the skin and oozing and crusting of the affected area.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.