Updated June 29, 2026
If you've recently been diagnosed with eczema or are caring for someone who has it, you're probably wondering, what exactly is eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and irritated skin. While the most common type is atopic dermatitis, there are several forms of eczema, each with its own symptoms and characteristics.
If you're new to eczema, the amount of information online can feel overwhelming. That's why we created this four-part Eczema 101 series to help you better understand your skin, identify common triggers, explore whole-body approaches to skin health, and build an effective daily care routine.
In this first article, you'll learn what eczema is, the different types of eczema, and the most common symptoms so you can begin your eczema journey with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
- The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, but there are several different forms of eczema.
- Eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
- Symptoms and severity vary from person to person and often come and go in flare-ups.
- Understanding what eczema is is the first step toward learning what triggers flare-ups and how to manage them.
If you are suffering from eczema, please bear in mind that we are in no way medical professionals. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or infections, speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.
What is Eczema?
Eczema, (often misspelled as ezema or exema) is an inflammatory skin condition where patches of skin become dry, rough, red, and extremely itchy. It commonly appears on the face, hands, feet, scalp, and back of the knees but can occur in other places as well. Studies have also proven that eczema is an autoimmune disease (1) similar to psoriasis, lupus and many other immune disorders.
People with eczema usually have an overactive immune system that responds with inflammation when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body. For example, a leaky skin barrier that allows staph, viruses, and allergens to enter the body can trigger eczema. Alternatively, the foods we eat, how we digest food, and things such as a leaky gut or a liver imbalance, can also exacerbate the condition.
What Happens in Skin with Eczema?
Healthy skin acts as a protective barrier, helping keep moisture in while blocking irritants, allergens, and bacteria from entering the body.
In people with eczema, this protective skin barrier doesn't function as effectively. Moisture escapes more easily, causing the skin to become dry and vulnerable to irritation. At the same time, the immune system becomes overactive, leading to inflammation, redness, and itching.
Scratching provides temporary relief but can further damage the skin barrier, creating an itch-scratch cycle that's difficult to break.
Common Eczema Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time. Some people experience only occasional mild flare-ups, while others have more persistent symptoms.
- Dry, rough skin
- Flaky skin
- Intense itching
- Redness or discoloration
- Cracked skin
- Rashes that may burn
- Oozing skin or crusting
- White spots
- Thickened skin from repeated scratching
These symptoms may change as you go through different healing stages.
Who Gets Eczema?
Eczema can develop at any age.
While it most commonly begins during infancy or childhood, many people continue to experience eczema into adulthood, and some develop eczema for the first time later in life.
Eczema affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the most common chronic skin conditions.
Types of Eczema
"Eczema" is an umbrella term that refers to several inflammatory skin conditions. While they share common symptoms like itching, dryness, and inflammation, each type has unique characteristics and may affect different areas of the body.
The most common type is atopic dermatitis, but there are several other forms of eczema. Understanding which type you have can help guide treatment and management.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, affecting babies, children, and adults. It often appears on the face, hands, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and other areas where the skin bends. Symptoms include dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can flare periodically.
Learn more about Atopic Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen after direct contact. Common triggers include soaps, detergents, fragrances, metals like nickel, certain fabrics, and cleaning products. Symptoms usually improve once the trigger is identified and avoided.
Learn more about Contact Dermatitis
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, intensely itchy blisters on the hands, fingers, feet, and toes. Flare-ups are often associated with stress, sweating, allergies, or exposure to certain metals, although the exact cause isn't always known.
Learn more about Dyshidrotic Eczema
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis affects areas rich in oil-producing glands, such as the scalp, face, ears, and chest. It often appears as flaky, greasy, or scaly patches and is commonly known as dandruff when it occurs on the scalp.
Learn more about Seborrheic Dermatitis
Nummular Dermatitis/Discoid Eczema
Nummular eczema, also called discoid eczema, appears as round or coin-shaped patches of irritated skin. These patches are often itchy and can become dry, cracked, or ooze during flare-ups. It is more common in adults and frequently develops on the arms and legs.
Learn more about Nummular Eczema
Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis primarily affects the lower legs and is most common in older adults or people with poor circulation. Symptoms include swelling, discoloration, itching, and dry, irritated skin around the ankles and lower legs.
Learn more about Stasis Dermatitis
Not Sure Which Type of Eczema You Have?
Many people experience symptoms that overlap between different types of eczema, and it's possible to have more than one type at the same time. A healthcare professional can help determine the type of eczema you have and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Keep in mind that many times the type of eczema isn't as important as knowing your symptoms and how best to soothe them.
Is Eczema Contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious.
You cannot catch eczema from another person through touching, sharing towels, swimming, or close contact.
Although eczema often runs in families because of genetics, it cannot be spread from person to person.
What Causes Eczema?
Researchers believe eczema develops because of a combination of genetics, the immune system, and changes in the skin barrier.
While these underlying factors make someone more likely to develop eczema, everyday triggers often determine when symptoms flare. These triggers are different for everyone and can include environmental factors, irritants, allergens, stress, and more.
In Eczema 102, we'll explore the most common eczema triggers and how to identify your own. Continue to Eczema 102
How Is Eczema Managed?
Although there is currently no cure for eczema, many people successfully manage their symptoms through consistent daily care and by understanding what works best for their skin.
Management often includes:
- protecting the skin barrier
- keeping skin moisturized
- avoiding known triggers
- following a personalized treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider
- using supportive skincare products and protective clothing when appropriate
In Eczema 104, we'll take a closer look at the different approaches to everyday eczema care. Continue to Eczema 104
Continue Your Eczema Learning Journey
Eczema 101: What Is Eczema? - You're here
Eczema 102: What Triggers Eczema? - Learn why eczema flares and how to identify common triggers.
Eczema 103: Healing From Within - Explore nutrition, supplements, gut health, and whole-body support.
Eczema 104: How to Treat Eczema Naturally - Discover moisturizers, wet wraps, clothing, and daily skincare strategies.
FAQs
What is eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and irritated skin. The most common type is atopic dermatitis.
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact.
Is eczema an autoimmune disease?
No. Eczema is not classified as an autoimmune disease, although it does involve an overactive immune response and a weakened skin barrier.
What's the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. "Eczema" is a general term that refers to several different inflammatory skin conditions.
References
1. Dupilumab improves the molecular signature in skin of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Jennifer D. Hamilton PhD. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Volume 134, Issue 6, December 2014, Pages 1293-1300.
