Eczema Stats/Facts

Nearly 30 million people, including children, suffer from eczema, and it is one of the most common conditions that causes people to visit the doctor.

What is Eczema?

  • Eczema is an itchy, red inflammation of the skin that usually begins with intense itching, followed by a dry, patchy rash that can be scaly and flaky
  • It occurs when the skin barrier is incomplete, meaning that water and moisture can evaporate much more easily because there is less production of lipids to trap this water/moisture in the skin
  • Eczema most commonly affects the arms, legs, neck and face
  • Most cases of eczema are related to allergens or irritants
  • The skin damage associated with eczema usually occurs from scratching, a result of the itchiness

Types of Eczema

There are many types of eczema, depending on the cause and location of the rash. Common types include:

  • Xerotic Eczema: dry skin that results from over bathing, usually affecting the arms, legs, and upper back.
  • Nummular Eczema: red, dry, itchy skin that appears in red circles, usually requiring the use of moisturizers in combination with prescription corticosteroid creams.
  • Atopic dermatitis: a special subset of eczema that comes and goes repeatedly and usually affects allergy-prone people who also have dry skin. Scaly, itchy skin rashes are common symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which affects more than 15 million people in the United States. Atopic dermatitis usually affects the face, neck, ears and torso.

Preventing and Treating Eczema

  • People with eczema can reduce the risk of flare-ups by keeping the skin from becoming too dry, applying a moisturizer that traps moisture (after the shower, before bedtime, etc.), taking tepid baths/showers and using a humidifier to add moisture into the air, particularly during winter months (though for more severe eczema sufferers, humidifiers are recommended year-round).
  • A new clinical study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (March 2009) finds that over-the-counter Albolene® Moisturizing Cleanser is as effective in reducing mild to moderate eczema as prescription moisturizer Mimyx®, for a fraction of the price; Albolene is a mineral oil, petrolatum and paraffin moisturizer that helps to trap in the skin's natural moisture, helping to create a barrier against water loss that occurs in eczema sufferers.
  • Speak with your doctor if your skin is red and itchy to discuss the best treatment for your eczema based on the cause and severity.