The main signs of eczema are dry, itchy skin and rash. Other symptoms of eczema include:¹

• Bumps on your skin.

• Thick, leathery patches of skin.

• Flaky, scaly or crusty skin.

• Swelling.

In some cases or flares of eczema rash, fluid-filled blisters can form to cause what is called weeping eczema. The rash exhibits other symptoms of eczema with the addition of blisters that ooze clear to straw-colored fluid.²

There are seven different eczema types. Each type is classified by causes, symptoms and parts of the body. It is possible to have more than one type of eczema at a time.³

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It can occur anywhere on the body and is usually chronic. It is a result of an overactive immune system and can be hereditary.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is triggered by the skin’s contact with an allergen. It is not hereditary and usually resolves when the trigger is removed.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema usually occurs on the hands and feet as tiny, itchy blisters. The cause is unknown, but this type of eczema can run in families.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis starts with an itchy patch of skin. Scratching the area causes skin to become dry, leathery and thick. Common triggers for neurodermatitis include stress, tight clothing, bug bites, nerve injury or dry skin.

Nummular eczema

Also known as discoid eczema, nummular eczema is characterized by scattered circular rashes that are often itchy and sometimes oozing. The patches can look similar to psoriasis, ringworm, fungal infections and other types of eczema. It frequently appears on arms, legs, torso and hands.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Referred to as “cradle cap” in infants, seborrheic dermatitis occurs in areas of the body that have oil producing glands like scalp, nose and upper back. It is identified by redness, swelling and greasy scaling. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory response to Malassezia yeast that lives on the skin.

Stasis dermatitis

Also called gravitational dermatitis, stasis dermatitis develops on the lower legs and feet. It is caused by poor circulation and symptoms include swelling of the feet, skin discoloration, itching, scaling and dryness.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. It can have multiple underlying causes and triggers. The main causes include:⁴

• Immune system. Eczema is an overreaction by the immune system to small allergens or triggers.

• Genetics. A family history of eczema increases your chances of developing eczema.

• Environment. Triggers in your environment could include smoke, air pollution, soaps, fabrics and skin care products. Low humidity in the air can cause skin dryness and high humidity can cause sweating. Both dryness and sweating can make eczema worse.

• Emotions. High levels of stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions may cause more frequent eczema flares.

Triggers can cause eczema to flare and vary between individuals. Common eczema triggers include:⁵

• Dry weather.

• Fabrics or clothing material.

• Makeup or skin care products.

• Smoke and air pollutants.

• Soaps and detergents.

• Stress.

• Allergies.

• Certain foods like eggs, dairy or nuts.

Eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.⁸ An eczema rash can appear on different parts of the body to appear as if it is spreading.⁹

Rosacea primarily affects the skin on the face, including cheeks, chin, Symptoms of eczema or an eczema rash can show up anywhere on your skin. The most common body parts to show signs of eczema include:¹⁰

• Hands.

• Neck.

• Elbows.

• Ankles.

• Knees.

• Feet.

• Face.

• Ears.

• Lips.

Less common areas of the body to see eczema include:

• Nipples.

• Breasts.

• Vulva.

• Penis.

The primary symptoms of eczema (red, dry, itchy skin) overlap with many other skin rashes like psoriasis or ringworm. If you are unsure, it’s recommended to seek a professional diagnosis. There are a few characteristics that might help you identify an eczema rash:¹¹

• Timing. Did the rash appear shortly after contacting a known irritant or allergen? This is a common trigger of eczema.

• Location. Eczema most commonly appears on the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, the face and the scalp. If the rash first appears somewhere else, like between the toes or groin, it might be a fungal infection instead of eczema.

• Symptoms. A painful rash is not common with eczema. Fluid filled blisters, thickening of skin, oozing and bleeding are all symptoms that point to eczema versus other rashes.

No, eczema is not contagious. It is a symptom of an overactive immune system.¹²

Eczema is a chronic condition and there is no cure. However, the symptoms of eczema may go away on their own.¹³

You can prevent eczema flare-ups and rashes by avoiding triggers. This means avoiding any irritants, staying hydrated and managing stress.¹⁴

No, there is no cure for eczema. It is a chronic, immune condition.¹⁵

1. Cleveland Clinic

2. Cleveland Clinic

3. National Eczema Association

4. Cleveland Clinic

5. Cleveland Clinic

6. Cleveland Clinic

7. National Eczema Association

8. Cleveland Clinic

9. National Library of Medicine

10. Cleveland Clinic

11. News Medical

12. Cleveland Clinic

13. Cleveland Clinic

14. Cleveland Clinic

15. Cleveland Clinic

Eczema cannot be cured, but you can relieve symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription treatments. OTC treatments for eczema include:¹⁶

• Hydrating lotion. The best lotion for eczema will be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and dye-free.¹⁷

• OTC oral antihistamines. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), loratadine (Claritin®).

• OTC pain relievers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®).

• Topical OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream.

• OTC dandruff shampoos for eczema on the scalp.

• Phototherapy (light therapy).

Prescription treatment options for eczema include:

• Topical steroids. Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream, triamcinolone cream 0.1%, triamcinolone 0.1% ointment.

• Oral steroids. Prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol Dosepak®).

• Oral antihistamines. Hydroxyzine (Atarax®).

Finding an effective treatment for eczema will differ depending on the type of eczema and severity of the eczema. It is possible to have more than one type of eczema at the same time. To identify the best treatment options for your eczema, it is best to consult a professional.¹⁸

Yes, you can treat eczema at home. There are OTC medications and lifestyle changes that can help ease symptoms. If you are prescribed medication from RedBox Rx, your treatment will be shipped directly to your home for convenient administration.

Untreated eczema will continue to have uncomfortable symptoms like a rash and itchy skin. Scratching an eczema rash can lead to skin infections and further complications. Itchy skin can also negatively affect your sleep.¹⁹

You can get a prescription for eczema medications online with RedBox Rx. Take a quick assessment and one of our U.S. licensed medical providers will determine if medication is right for you.

16. National Eczema Association

17. Cleveland Clinic

18. National Eczema Association

19. National Eczema Association

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