Eczema – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Overview of Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that makes your skin dry, itchy, and inflamed. It is one of the most common skin disorders worldwide, affecting children and adults alike. While it is not contagious, it can be persistent and often requires ongoing management.

How common is eczema?

Eczema is highly prevalent, with an estimated 15–30% of children and 2–10% of adults affected worldwide. The condition often begins in childhood but may continue into adulthood or reappear later in life. In some people, it may improve as they age, while others experience flare-ups throughout life.

How does eczema affect daily life?

Eczema is more than a skin rash—it can impact nearly every part of daily living:

• Work and school: Frequent itching or visible rashes can cause distraction, missed days, and reduced focus.
• Sleep: Nighttime itching often disrupts rest, leading to fatigue and irritability.
• Relationships and self-esteem: Visible skin symptoms may cause embarrassment or anxiety in social situations.
• Mental health: Studies show a higher risk of stress, anxiety, and depression in people living with eczema.
• Sports and physical activity: Sweat, heat, or certain fabrics may worsen symptoms, limiting comfort during exercise.

How is eczema different from dry skin or allergies?

• Eczema vs. dry skin: Ordinary dry skin improves with moisturizer, but eczema causes persistent inflammation and itching.
• Eczema vs. allergic rash: Allergic reactions are usually sudden and short-lived, while eczema is chronic and cyclical.

Reference:
Nutten S. (2015). Atopic dermatitis: global epidemiology and risk factors. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 66(Suppl 1): 8–16. doi:10.1159/000370220

Symptoms of Eczema

The main symptoms of eczema include dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, but the severity and appearance vary from person to person. Symptoms can also change over time, with flare-ups that come and go.

What are the main symptoms of eczema?

• Itching: Often the most distressing symptom, which can worsen at night.
• Red or brown patches: Commonly found on the hands, feet, face, neck, elbows, and behind the knees.
• Dry, cracked, or scaly skin: May cause discomfort and sensitivity.
• Thickened skin (lichenification): From repeated scratching.
• Oozing or crusting: Sometimes occurs if the skin becomes infected.

How severe can eczema be?

• Mild eczema: Occasional dry, itchy patches managed with moisturizer and lifestyle changes.
• Moderate eczema: Frequent flare-ups that affect sleep, concentration, or daily routines.
• Severe eczema: Constant itching, widespread rashes, or complications such as skin infections.

How does eczema affect daily function?

• Work: You may find it hard to focus if you’re constantly itchy or uncomfortable.
• Sleep: Persistent itching at night can lead to insomnia or fatigue.
• Relationships: Visible rashes may cause self-consciousness or avoidance of social activities.
• Mood and mental health: Long-term eczema is linked with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Red flag signs of eczema

Seek medical advice if you notice:

• Pus, yellow crusts, or painful swelling (signs of infection).
• Rapidly spreading rash.
• Severe itching that disrupts sleep or daily life.
• Symptoms not improving with standard care.

Causes and Risk Factors for Eczema

Eczema develops from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors that make the skin more sensitive and prone to inflammation. While the exact cause is not fully understood, researchers believe both internal and external triggers play a role.

What causes eczema?

• Genetics: A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies increases risk.
• Immune system response: Overactive immune reactions cause skin inflammation.
• Skin barrier weakness: Defects in proteins like filaggrin reduce the skin’s ability to hold moisture, making it more vulnerable.
• Environmental triggers: Cold weather, heat, pollen, dust mites, and pollution can all worsen symptoms.
• Irritants: Soaps, detergents, perfumes, and rough fabrics may trigger flare-ups.

Lifestyle and risk factors for eczema

• Age: Most cases begin in early childhood, though adult-onset eczema is also possible.
• Occupation: Jobs involving frequent hand washing, chemical exposure, or outdoor work can increase flare-ups.
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes: Some people experience new or worsened eczema during pregnancy or hormone shifts.
• Stress: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.
• Obesity: Research suggests a link between obesity and more severe eczema.

How is eczema different from psoriasis?

• Eczema: Often begins in childhood, associated with allergies, and usually appears as red, itchy patches.
• Psoriasis: Typically starts in adulthood, causes thick silvery scales, and is linked to immune system dysfunction rather than allergies.

Why understanding causes and risk factors matters

Identifying your unique triggers helps you manage eczema more effectively. For example, if your symptoms worsen with stress, addressing emotional health may be just as important as skin treatment.

Reference:
Weidinger S, Novak N. (2016). Atopic dermatitis. The Lancet, 387(10023): 1109–1122. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00149-X

Diagnosis, Recovery, and Management of Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that requires careful diagnosis, realistic expectations about recovery, and ongoing management strategies to reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life. This section explains how eczema is diagnosed, what you can expect in terms of recovery and prognosis, and practical, evidence-based management options.

Diagnosis of Eczema

Eczema is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation that includes a medical history, physical examination, and sometimes allergy or skin tests to rule out similar conditions. There is no single lab test that confirms eczema, so diagnosis relies on identifying patterns of symptoms and excluding other skin disorders.

How do doctors test for eczema?

Doctors start with a physical exam of the skin. They look for hallmark signs such as red, itchy patches, thickened skin from scratching, or flare-ups in common areas like the elbows, knees, or face. You’ll often be asked about:

• When your symptoms first appeared.
• Whether itching worsens at night.
• Any family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies.
• Known triggers such as soaps, detergents, foods, or weather changes.

Other tools may include:

• Allergy testing (skin prick or patch tests): Helps identify environmental or contact triggers.
• Blood tests (IgE levels): May support the diagnosis if allergic disease is suspected.
• Skin biopsy (rare): To rule out conditions like psoriasis, fungal infections, or cutaneous lymphoma.

How do practitioners identify the root cause of eczema symptoms?

Eczema is a symptom-driven diagnosis. Practitioners look at both intrinsic factors (genetics, immune response, skin barrier weakness) and extrinsic triggers (irritants, stress, allergens). The goal is to separate eczema from other skin diseases and to design a care plan that targets flare-up causes unique to you.

How is eczema different from other skin conditions?

• Eczema vs. psoriasis: Eczema causes intense itching and red, inflamed patches, while psoriasis often creates thick, silvery scales and less itch.
• Eczema vs. contact dermatitis: Eczema is chronic and often linked to genetics; contact dermatitis is a short-term reaction to irritants or allergens.

Reference:
Weidinger S, Novak N. (2016). Atopic dermatitis. The Lancet, 387(10023): 1109–1122. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00149-X

Recovery Timeline for Eczema

Eczema is usually a lifelong condition, but symptoms can be controlled and sometimes enter long periods of remission. Recovery depends on the severity of flare-ups, your triggers, and how consistently you manage your skin care routine.

How long does it take for eczema to improve?

• Mild eczema: With moisturizers, trigger avoidance, and occasional medicated creams, flare-ups may calm within 1–3 weeks.
• Moderate eczema: May take 4–8 weeks of consistent treatment and lifestyle changes to achieve control.
• Severe eczema: Can require 3–6 months or more of multidisciplinary care, including prescription therapies and mental health support.

What affects eczema recovery and long-term outcomes?

• Age: Children may outgrow eczema, but many continue to have sensitive skin. Adults may experience more stubborn flare-ups.
• Triggers: Ongoing exposure to allergens or irritants delays recovery.
• Consistency of care: Daily moisturization and adherence to treatment plans are critical.
• Coexisting conditions: Asthma, hay fever, or obesity can complicate management.

Decision pathway (if/then logic)

• If you have mild eczema with occasional flare-ups, then over-the-counter moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and trigger avoidance may be enough.
• If your eczema is moderate (frequent itching, disrupted sleep), then prescription creams and regular dermatology follow-up are needed.
• If your eczema is severe (widespread rash, infections, constant itching), then advanced treatments like biologic medications, phototherapy, or referral to a specialist may be recommended.

Return to daily life with eczema

• Work: Most people can continue working but may need to avoid irritants (chemicals, gloves, harsh soaps).
• Sports: Exercise is encouraged but sweat and friction may require extra precautions like immediate showering and breathable clothing.
• Sleep: Once flare-ups are managed, sleep improves significantly, reducing fatigue and improving mood.
• Long-term: With proactive care, many people enjoy long stretches of clear or manageable skin.

How to Manage Eczema

Management of eczema focuses on calming flare-ups, repairing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and preventing future episodes. This requires a mix of daily routines, medical treatments, and lifestyle adjustments.

What’s the best way to manage eczema at home?

Self-help & relief tips (step-by-step)

1. Moisturize regularly: Apply fragrance-free emollients at least twice daily.
2. Avoid harsh soaps: Use mild, unscented cleansers.
3. Identify triggers: Keep a symptom diary to track foods, stress, or environmental factors.
4. Wear breathable clothing: Cotton is usually better than wool or synthetics.
5. Control scratching: Keep nails short and use cold compresses to relieve itching.

These steps provide a strong foundation for managing eczema day to day.

Therapy and medical care

• Topical treatments: Corticosteroid creams or calcineurin inhibitors reduce inflammation during flares.
• Systemic therapies: For severe cases, oral immunosuppressants or biologics (like dupilumab) may be prescribed.
• Phototherapy: Controlled UV light exposure helps some patients.
• Antihistamines: May reduce nighttime itching and improve sleep.

Lifestyle and long-term prevention strategies

• Ergonomics and activity: Adjust your environment (e.g., wearing gloves for dishwashing) to reduce exposure to irritants.
• Stress management: Yoga, meditation, or therapy can reduce stress-induced flares.
• Healthy habits: Balanced diet, hydration, and exercise support overall immune health.
• Community support: Connecting with others living with eczema can reduce isolation and provide coping strategies.

How is managing eczema different from other skin conditions?

Unlike acne or psoriasis, eczema management focuses heavily on hydration and barrier repair. The emphasis is on daily skin care plus flare-up prevention, not just medication.

Reference:
Eichenfield LF, et al. (2014). Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 71(1): 116–132. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.030

Multidisciplinary Coordinated Care for Eczema at CARESPACE

CARESPACE provides multidisciplinary, coordinated care for eczema, focusing on more than just the skin rash. Our approach combines physical treatments, nutrition, stress management, and mental health support to help you manage flare-ups, improve quality of life, and prevent recurrence.

How does CARESPACE treat eczema differently?

Most clinics treat eczema by focusing only on the skin, but CARESPACE takes a whole-person, team-based approach. This means you don’t just get a cream or a prescription—you get coordinated support across multiple areas of health.

For example, your care plan may start with:

• A physiotherapist evaluating posture, activity, and environmental triggers that may worsen flare-ups.
• A nutritionist reviewing your diet to identify possible food sensitivities, anti-inflammatory meal planning, and hydration strategies.
• A psychotherapist helping you cope with stress or sleep difficulties that make eczema worse.
• A massage therapist or acupuncturist providing relaxation and circulation support for symptom relief.

By blending these services, CARESPACE ensures you are cared for as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms.

Why does a team approach help eczema recovery faster?

Eczema flare-ups are rarely caused by a single factor—they involve skin sensitivity, immune reactions, lifestyle triggers, and stress. Treating only one piece often leads to recurring symptoms. CARESPACE’s team approach works because every part of your health is considered.

• Chiropractic and physiotherapy improve posture and nervous system balance, which may reduce stress on the body.
• Massage therapy and acupuncture relieve tension, promote circulation, and ease stress-related flare-ups.
• Nutrition and naturopathic medicine help reduce inflammation and identify food or environmental triggers.
• Psychotherapy and mental performance coaching support coping skills, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.
• Kinesiology and fitness training promote healthy movement and stress relief while avoiding skin irritation.
• This coordinated care model means your eczema is managed from multiple angles at once—helping you achieve faster results and fewer relapses.

What does coordinated eczema care at CARESPACE look like in practice?

CARESPACE organizes eczema care into three phases—acute, subacute, and maintenance—so your treatment evolves as your condition improves.

• Acute phase (flare-up support): The focus is on calming the skin and reducing immediate symptoms. You may receive naturopathic recommendations for soothing skin care, along with nutrition adjustments to reduce inflammation. Psychotherapy can also help you manage the stress of a sudden flare.
• Subacute phase (healing and rebuilding): Once flare-ups are under control, the team shifts to long-term improvements. Physiotherapists may suggest lifestyle changes and ergonomic strategies to reduce triggers, while massage therapy and acupuncture support relaxation and recovery.
• Maintenance phase (prevention and wellness): Ongoing care helps prevent relapses. Nutrition counseling, fitness training, and stress management techniques keep your body balanced, while regular check-ins ensure new triggers are addressed quickly.

For example, someone experiencing recurring eczema on their hands may begin with naturopathic recommendations for barrier creams and dietary changes. At the same time, massage therapy reduces muscle tension from stress, and psychotherapy helps manage anxiety related to flare-ups. Over time, fitness training and nutrition strategies create long-term resilience.

How does CARESPACE support mental health with eczema?

Living with eczema affects more than your skin—it impacts your confidence, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. CARESPACE integrates mental health care directly into your plan so you feel supported both physically and emotionally.

• Psychotherapy addresses stress, anxiety, or depression linked to visible skin symptoms.
• Mental performance coaching teaches resilience strategies to help you stay confident in social and work situations.
• Nutrition support ensures your diet promotes stable energy, which helps reduce mood swings linked to flare-ups.
• Exercise and kinesiology boost endorphins, helping you feel better and sleep more soundly.

By combining these supports, CARESPACE helps you break the cycle where stress worsens eczema, and eczema increases stress.

Why choose multidisciplinary coordinated care for eczema?

The advantage of CARESPACE is that all of your providers communicate and coordinate your treatment plan. This means you don’t have to navigate care alone or wonder if treatments overlap.

Benefits of our approach include:

• Faster recovery: Multiple aspects of eczema—skin, stress, lifestyle—are treated together.
• Lower recurrence risk: Ongoing maintenance strategies reduce flare-ups over time.
• Personalized care: Plans are tailored to your triggers, routines, and goals.
• Whole-person focus: Both the physical and emotional sides of eczema are supported.

Compared with single-discipline care, which may only address surface symptoms, CARESPACE’s coordinated approach gives you the tools to manage eczema long-term and improve overall quality of life.

Related Conditions, FAQs, and Disclaimer for Eczema

Eczema is part of a wider group of skin and immune-related conditions. To wrap up this hub, we’ll explore related conditions, answer common client questions, and provide a clear disclaimer to ensure the information is reliable, evidence-based, and compliant.

Related Conditions for Eczema

Several conditions can overlap with or mimic eczema symptoms, which is why an accurate diagnosis is important. While eczema often causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin, other disorders may look similar or occur alongside it.

• Psoriasis: Both cause red, scaly patches, but psoriasis usually produces thicker plaques with silvery scales, while eczema tends to be itchier and more inflamed.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: Triggered by a reaction to an external irritant like nickel, fragrance, or detergents; symptoms can overlap with eczema flare-ups.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Usually affects oily areas like the scalp, eyebrows, or sides of the nose, causing greasy scales rather than the dry, inflamed skin of eczema.
• Asthma and hay fever: These allergic conditions are often associated with eczema as part of the “atopic triad.”
• Skin infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections may develop in eczema-prone skin, sometimes mimicking a worsening flare.

Because these conditions overlap, seeing a healthcare provider ensures the right treatment plan is chosen.

Explore our full Conditions List for related dermatology and allergy conditions.

Looking for information on a different condition? Visit our full Conditions List.