Skinby Skin libraryRashes and redness

Eczema

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In short

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling.

What it is1

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that causes itchy skin.
NHS website

Eczema is not contagious.
MedlinePlus
Atopic eczema can make your skin: itchy; dry, cracked, crusty, scaly or thickened; red, white, purple or gray, or lighter or darker than the skin around it (depending on your skin tone); blister or bleed.
NHS website
There are usually times where your symptoms get worse (called flare-ups) and times where they are better.
NHS website
Patients with darker skin tones often experience darkening or lightening of the skin in areas of skin inflammation.
National Institutes of Health
Atopic eczema can be made worse by things like: coming into contact with an allergen or irritant such as soap, washing detergent, pets, some fabrics, pollen, house-dust mites or certain foods; heat or changes in temperature; skin infections, such as a staph infection; stress; hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy.
NHS website
There's currently no cure for atopic eczema, although the symptoms tend to get better as you get older.
NHS website

The main treatments are: moisturizing creams, lotions, ointments and gels you apply to your skin and wash with (emollients); steroid creams, lotions or gels you apply to your skin (topical corticosteroids).
NHS website
Apply moisturizing treatments (emollients) to your skin as often as possible, at least 2 times a day, and continue to moisturize even if your eczema improves.
NHS website
Wash with an emollient instead of soap.
NHS website
Keep cool: being hot can make your eczema more itchy.
NHS website

Avoid things that make your eczema worse, such as soap, washing detergent, some fabrics or pets.
NHS website
Do not scratch your eczema, as it can make it worse. If it is itchy, try gently rubbing the area with your finger instead.
NHS website

See a health care provider if you or your child have symptoms of atopic eczema; treatments are not helping your atopic eczema.
NHS website
Get care soon if your eczema is blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has spots filled with pus; is painful, swollen or feels warm; suddenly gets worse or bigger; or comes with a high temperature or feeling unwell. These can be signs of infection or a more serious condition called eczema herpeticum.
NHS website

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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