Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) can have many causes and triggers. These include:

• Genetics: A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies can increase your risk.
• Skin barrier weakness: Dry or sensitive skin allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter.
• Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and certain foods may trigger flare-ups.
• Irritants: Soaps, detergents, fragrances, and some fabrics (like wool) can worsen symptoms.
• Climate: Cold, dry air or sudden temperature changes can dry out the skin.
• Stress: Emotional stress can make eczema worse or cause flares.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral skin infections can aggravate eczema.

Common symptoms include:

• Dry, rough, or scaly patches
• Itching (which can be very intense)
• Redness or swelling
• Cracks or open sores if the skin is scratched too much

1. Daily Skin Care

• Moisturize often: Use fragrance-free creams or ointments at least twice a day, especially after bathing.
• Gentle cleansing: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps or non-soap cleansers.
• Warm (not hot) baths: Keep baths short (5–10 minutes) and pat the skin dry gently.

2. Avoid Triggers

• Identify and avoid irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, wool, or perfumed products.

3. Medications (as prescribed by your doctor)

• Topical steroids: Reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.
• Non-steroid creams: Such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, to help control flares.
• Antihistamines: May help reduce itching, especially at night.
• Oral or injectable medications: For severe eczema not controlled by creams (e.g., dupilumab or other newer treatments).

4. Other Helpful Treatments

• Wet wraps: Applying damp bandages over moisturizers or medicine to calm severe flares.
• Light therapy (phototherapy): Can help in some chronic cases.”

Eczema usually improves with consistent care, but it often comes and goes over time. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, healing the skin, and preventing flare-ups.

1. Short-Term Results (Days to Weeks)

• Moisturizing and avoiding triggers: Skin often feels less dry and itchy within a few days.
• Topical medications (like steroid or non-steroid creams): Most people see improvement in redness, itching, and rash within 1–2 weeks.
• Wet wraps or short courses of stronger treatments: Can calm severe flare-ups quickly (often within days).

2. Medium to Long-Term Results (Weeks to Months)

• With daily moisturizing and good trigger control, flares become less frequent and milder.
• Some people can go weeks or months without symptoms.
• Regular follow-up helps adjust treatments to keep the skin clear and prevent new flares.

3. Long-Term Outlook

• Eczema is a chronic condition, but many people learn to manage it successfully with the right skin care routine.
• Children often improve with age; some outgrow eczema completely.
• Adults may have periods when eczema flares up, especially during stress or dry weather, but ongoing care can keep symptoms under control.

1. Is eczema contagious – Eczema is not contagious.
2. Does eczema run in families? – It tends to have a familial component and is linked with allergies and asthma (known as the Atopy Triad).
3. Is eczema curable? – Good daily skin care and the right treatments can greatly reduce symptoms and flare-ups, but there is no definitive care for eczema.