What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is an hereditary and chronic skin disorder that mostly affects infants or very young children, and may last until the child reaches adolescence or adulthood. Eczema causes the skin to itch, turn red, and flake.

Parents with eczema are more likely to have children with eczema. Different triggers can make eczema worse, including environmental stress, allergies, and sweating. Of children who have eczema, most will show signs of eczema in the first year of life and 90 percent will show signs of eczema within the first 5 years.

Eczema occurs in approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of all infants. Of these children, nearly one half will improve as they grow and develop between the ages of five and 15 years. Other children may have some form of eczema throughout their lifetime.