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This section is for people who have atopic dermatitis (often called "eczema"), parents and caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis, and others interested in learning more about the disease. The section describes the disease and its symptoms and contains information about diagnosis and treatment as well as current research efforts supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other components of the Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH). It also discusses issues such as skin care and quality of life for people with atopic dermatitis. If you have further questions after reading this section, you may wish to discuss them with your doctor or your child's pediatrician.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Eczema is the most common type of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). Eczema refers to several conditions that share a pattern of changes in the surface of the skin.
Eczema first appears as an episode of itching, redness and tiny bumps or blisters. When it develops into a long-term condition (chronic eczema), it leads to skin thickening, scaling, flaking, dryness and color changes.
There are many types of eczema, depending on the cause and the shape and location of the rash. Most are related to allergies or to contact with irritating chemicals. Some are associated with underlying medical conditions that cause fluid retention in the legs. In the United States, eczema affects approximately 10 percent of the population.
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