Eczema Resource Center - All Articles
Health ConditionsSkin ConditionsEczema

Eczema - All Articles

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Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes irritated, rash-like patches on different parts of the body. There are several forms of eczema, the most common being atopic dermatitis. Symptoms usually include very dry and itchy skin that can be rough, oozy, or leathery. Eczema may affect the hands, insides of the elbows, behind the knees, the face, the scalp, or other areas. Treatment usually involves topical, oral, or injectable medications. Keeping on top of your skin care routine and limiting stress can help to manage symptoms.

What Is Eczema? 
What Is Eczema? 
What Is Eczema? Medically Reviewed by Jacquelyn Dosal, MD | February 26, 2026
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What is your most challenging eczema symptom?

FAQ

Is eczema contagious?

Eczema is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another in any way.

Eczema's root causes are likely related to genetics and an overreactive immune system. Eczema flares usually have environmental causes. Irritants such as chemical soaps, allergens, temperature changes and stress can all trigger eczema symptoms.

Symptoms include dry, cracked, itchy skin that may become swollen and inflamed. Skin may also change color and develop small raised bumps (hives), oozing and crusting, and/or thickening. In some cases the skin around the eyes may darken. Skin can also become raw and sensitive from scratching.

There is no cure for eczema; it is a chronic condition that can worsen during flares, then improve. While no treatment can make eczema go away completely, it can generally be managed with medications, non-drug therapies, and lifestyle choices.

Stress is not a direct cause of eczema, but it definitely contributes to flare-ups and can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Meet Our Experts In Eczema
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum la...

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Edmund Tsui, MD

Medical Reviewer

Edmund Tsui, MD, is an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

He earned his medical degree from Dartm...

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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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mohiba-tareen-bio

Mohiba Tareen, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a nationally acclaimed board-certified dermatologist. She practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at her Minnesota medical practice, Tareen Derm...

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Kimberly Shao, MD

Medical Reviewer
Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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Jane Yoo

Jane Yoo, MD, MPP

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Jane Yoo is an internationally recognized Korean American dual board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing in New York City. She graduated with a bachelo...

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Amy Spizuoco, DO

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Amy Spizuoco, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Dr. Spizuoco has been practicing medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, as well as dermatopatholo...

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Lydia-J-Johnson-bio

Lydia J. Johnson, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Lydia Johnson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist. Her medical career of more than 20 years has included work in private practice and in an academic medical center, as well as ...
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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist,...

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Dr. Sanober Pezad

Sanober Pezad Doctor, MD

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Sanober Pezad Doctor is a double board-certified dermatologist and internationally recognized leader in integrative and holistic dermatology. She is an anti-aging and regenerat...

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Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN

Medical Reviewer

Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN, is a psychologist, nurse, and certified eating disorder specialist, and is the founder and owner of KML Psychological Services.

Dr. Latimer earned her Ph...

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Jon E. Stahlman, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jon E. Stahlman, MD, has been a practicing allergist for more than 25 years. He is currently the section chief of allergy and immunology at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta's Scott...

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Resources
  1. Eczema. Cleveland Clinc. October 2022.

ALL ECZEMA ARTICLES

What Is Eczema?
What Is Eczema?
What Is Eczema?Medically Reviewed by Jacquelyn Dosal, MD | February 26, 2026