Eczema

Eczema is the commonly used name for atopic dermatitis (AD) and presents with itchy, inflamed skin. While it commonly is seen inside of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face, it can be found throughout the body. Eczema is considered an atopic disease.  Other atopic diseases include allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma, and not uncommonly patients with eczema have these problems (sometime referred to as the "atopic triad"). Atopic dermatits is genetic and inherited from one’s parents.  When a child has a parent with atopic disease they have a 25% chance of having some form of atopic disease themselves.  This goes up to 50% when both parents have an atopic disease. 

Eczema usually presents itself during childhood, often as early as infancy.   It is typically seen as dry, itchy, scaly skin, cracks behind the ears, and rashes on the cheeks, arms and legs.   “Flare-ups”  are typical with  the above symptoms but due to scratching weeping and crusted sores may result.  

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