Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder which cannot be cured. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, eczema can be controlled. There are a lot of types of eczema: allergic contact dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, statis dermatitis, neurodermatitis and other.

It is known that eczema can be red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, or thickened, and it usually itches.

Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema is one of the most common forms of eczema.

Statistics say that 10-20% of the world's population is being affected by this eczema. It appears more often in young adults, but however, it can occur at any age.

Typically, the patches occur on the hands and feet in teens and young adults, but it was seen that there exists the chance any area such as the bends of the elbows, backs of the knees, ankles, wrists, face, neck, and upper chest to be affected. We must mention that there can be episodes of crusting and oozing when it appears on the palms, backs of the hands, fingers, or on the feet.

There are other eczema patches in this stage that may be scaly or thickened, are red to brownish-gray and typically dry. It is known that if the patient does not follow any treatment, the thickened areas may last for years. Because of the intense, unbearable itching, patients scratch the skin until it bleeds and crusts, and so, the skin becomes infected.

Statistics say that most patients that have atopic dermatitis have family members with similar problems. It is also known that among the patients who have atopic dermatitis, 20% are the only ones in their family with the condition.

There were made studies, and the result was that the United States have the greatest number of sufferers of eczema. It seems there are about 17.4 million patients.

Because of some external factors, atopic dermatitis will come and go. The cause of eczema is unknown, but seems it appears because of the abnormal response of the body's immune system. Itching and scratching is in fact the inflammatory response to irritating substances.

Healing the lesions as soon as possible is very important for the persons that have eczema

We must mention that this condition is not contagious. Even if eczema cannot be cured, with treatment and avoidance of triggers, this condition can be well managed for most of the patients.