What is Eczema?

Eczema can be different for everyone who has it. Yet, no matter how severe your eczema is, everyone deals with the same basic symptoms - dry skin, sore rashes, and terrible itching. It can be frustrating and uncomfortable trying to manage eczema and keep 'flare-ups' under control. At its most severe, eczema can cause serious health problems, profoundly affect quality of life, and interfere with normal, everyday activities.

Eczema is a recurring, long-term inflammation of the skin, and there is no cure. It usually begins in childhood, appearing within the first 6 months, and can continue through adolescence into adulthood. Although some children may eventually outgrow eczema, about 80% will have dry, irritable skin their whole lives.

Often, people suffering from eczema or parents of children with eczema, really don't understand the disease or how to manage the condition. Some people have even stopped seeing their doctor because they are frustrated with their current treatment. But there is hope.

The EASE program can help you understand more about eczema and your skin. You will learn more about new treatments that could make a difference to you or your child, and tips to help you manage the eczema on a daily basis.

This information can help you take control of eczema right now!

Eczema and atopic dermatitis

The first step, if you think you have eczema or if your current treatment does not seem to be helping, is to see your family doctor. A correct diagnosis and the proper treatment are very important. If a referral to a dermatologist is necessary, your family physician will help you get one.

Although we often associate eczema with only one type of skin condition, it really describes a whole group that can affect anyone, at any age. Atopic dermatitis is only one of this group and doctors usually refer to it as simply 'eczema' because it is the most common of this group.

The constant itch that goes along with eczema makes it very different from any other skin condition. Eczema is often called the ‘itch that rashes’ rather than the ‘rash that itches’ because the itch starts long before the rash appears. The itch leads to a lot of scratching and that's when the red, raw rash appears.

The signs and symptoms of eczema vary from person to person. It can range from mild - where skin is dry, hot and itchy - to its most severe - when the skin becomes broken, raw, and bleeding.

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This information can help you take control of eczema right now!