Eczema is a common skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, sore, and inflamed skin. It can affect anyone, including people of all ages, but is most commonly found in childhood. Some people with eczema experience ongoing symptoms, while others have flare-ups from time to time.
If you have eczema, itching and inflamed skin can disrupt sleep, work, school, or everyday life. Understanding what triggers an eczema flare-up, how to treat eczema, and when to consult a doctor can help you manage the condition and take better care of your skin.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a general term that covers a range of conditions marked by inflamed or irritated skin. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis.
Eczema may be localized, meaning it affects one part of the body, such as the hands, face, arms, legs, or neck. It can also occur on the backs of the knees or the insides of the elbows. The signs and symptoms may differ in severity and presentation.
Eczema is often associated with a weakened skin barrier. When the skin barrier does not function properly, the skin may lose moisture more easily and become more vulnerable to irritation.
What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?
Eczema symptoms can range from mild dryness to significant inflammation.
Common symptoms include:
Dry or flaky skin
Intense itching
Red or discolored patches
Swelling
Rough or scaly skin
Small bumps
Cracked or painful skin
Thickened skin from repeated scratching
Oozing or crusting in some cases
Itching is one of the most common eczema symptoms. Scratching can temporarily relieve the itch but may damage the skin and increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Eczema can also affect sleep when itching becomes worse at night.
What Causes Eczema?
There is no single cause of eczema. Genetics, immune system activity, skin barrier function, and environmental factors can all play a role.
People with eczema may be more sensitive to certain irritants or allergens. However, a trigger for one person may not cause symptoms in another.
Common eczema triggers can include:
Dry weather
Cold temperatures
Heat and sweating
Fragrances
Certain soaps or detergents
Skin-care products
Stress
Dust or other environmental factors
Certain fabrics
Changes in humidity
Identifying your personal triggers can be an important part of managing eczema.
Is Eczema Contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious.
You cannot catch eczema by touching someone who has it, living in the same house, or through skin-to-skin contact.
However, eczema can weaken the skin barrier, and frequent scratching can lead to a secondary skin infection. Signs of infection may include increased pain, warmth, swelling, oozing, or spreading redness.
How Is Eczema Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can often diagnose eczema by examining the skin and asking about your symptoms and medical history.
During an evaluation, your provider may ask:
When your symptoms started
Where the rash appears
Whether the rash comes and goes
How severe the itching is
What products you use on your skin
Whether you have known allergies
Whether anything seems to trigger flare-ups
What treatments you have already tried
In some cases, additional testing may be recommended if another skin condition or allergy is suspected.
How Is Eczema Treated?
There is currently no universal cure for eczema, but treatment can help control symptoms, reduce inflammation, protect the skin barrier, and prevent or manage flare-ups.
Moisturizers
Regular use of fragrance-free moisturizers can help reduce dryness and support the skin barrier. Applying moisturizer after bathing can help lock moisture into the skin.
Avoiding Triggers
Identifying and avoiding personal triggers can reduce flare-ups. This may involve switching to gentle, fragrance-free skin-care products or using products designed for sensitive skin.
Prescription Treatments
A healthcare provider may recommend prescription creams or other medications depending on the severity and type of eczema.
Treatment may include topical medications that help reduce inflammation. People with moderate or severe eczema may need additional treatment based on their individual condition.
Do not use prescription or over-the-counter steroid creams for prolonged periods without appropriate medical guidance.
Can Eczema Be Treated Through Telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth can be a convenient option for many people with eczema, particularly when symptoms are mild to moderate and a physical examination is not immediately necessary.
During an online doctor appointment, a provider can ask about your symptoms, examine visible skin changes through a video consultation when appropriate, discuss potential triggers, and review treatments you have tried.
A telehealth provider may recommend:
Skin-care strategies
Trigger avoidance
Over-the-counter treatment options
Prescription treatment when appropriate
Follow-up care
In-person evaluation if your symptoms require additional examination
Virtual healthcare services can make it easier to get medical guidance without taking time out of your workday or traveling to a clinic.
However, not every rash is eczema. If your symptoms are unusual, severe, rapidly worsening, or difficult to diagnose remotely, an in-person evaluation may be necessary.
What Can Make Eczema Worse?
Several everyday factors may contribute to eczema flare-ups.
Hot showers, harsh soaps, fragranced products, dry air, sweating, and scratching can irritate sensitive skin.
Stress may also contribute to flare-ups for some people.
Keeping your skin moisturized, using gentle products, and identifying your personal triggers can help reduce irritation.
When Should You See a Doctor for Eczema?
Consider talking with a healthcare provider if your eczema:
Interferes with sleep
Makes everyday activities difficult
Continues despite home treatment
Frequently comes back
Covers a large area of your body
Causes significant itching or pain
Appears infected
Affects your quality of life
You should seek prompt medical care if you develop rapidly spreading redness, significant swelling, severe pain, fever, pus, or other signs of a potentially serious infection.
If you are unsure whether your rash is eczema, psoriasis, an allergic reaction, or another skin condition, professional evaluation can help determine the appropriate treatment.
Can Eczema Go Away on Its Own?
Some eczema flare-ups may improve with consistent skin care and trigger avoidance. However, eczema can be a recurring condition, and symptoms may return even after a period of improvement.
A long-term management plan can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
If you regularly experience eczema symptoms, an online doctor can help you discuss your condition and determine whether additional treatment may be appropriate.
Get Eczema Care From Home
Managing eczema does not have to mean constantly dealing with itching, dryness, and uncomfortable flare-ups. Understanding your triggers and getting appropriate medical guidance can help you take better care of your skin.
Humancare Connect makes it convenient to connect with healthcare providers through telehealth from the comfort of your home.
If you are experiencing persistent itching, inflammation, dryness, or a recurring rash, schedule an online doctor appointment with Humancare Connect to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.