October is Eczema Awareness month

Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. While it can occur at any age, it is most common in young children. Eczema is chronic and can flare up from time to time. The condition is irritating but it’s not contagious. There are seven different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. Your dermatologist can help in identifying the exact type you are experiencing.

Over 30 million Americans suffer from some form of Eczema. Symptoms can vary, some very mild to severe. The first symptoms of Eczema can show in children, adolescents, and adults. Babies can begin experiencing symptoms within the first few months after birth and sometimes as early as the first couple of weeks. Extremely dry patches of skin are usually the first sign in children. This itchy skin can lead to blisters and even skin infections if scratching is not controlled.