One of the most common skin conditions in children and adults is eczema. Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema affects about 90% of people before the age of five. It affects about 30 million American adults today. There are several different types of eczema such as atopic, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic eczema, and stasis eczema. These different kinds all have different triggers and various symptoms. A good example of another form of dermatitis is an allergic rash. This is known as contact dermatitis. It happens when you encounter an allergen trigger. By speaking with Dr. Krathen at Essential Dermatology, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in eczema care, he can diagnose your eczema and start a treatment plan.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is caused by a range of things. Researchers have found that people who get this skin condition often have family members with it as well as having asthma or hay fever. By speaking with a dermatologist like Dr. Krathen, he can help to diagnose the type of eczema you have and find the root cause in order to start treatment. It is important to remember that this is not contagious, and you cannot get it through contact with someone who has eczema.
Symptoms of Eczema
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Itching
- Red, inflamed skin
- Dark-colored patches on the skin
- Areas of swelling
- Oozing or crusting
- Rough, leathery patches of skin
Treatments for Eczema
There is no cure for eczema, but it can be managed with treatment. Remedies will vary depending on your symptoms and the type of eczema that you have. Different options include certain skincare methods and some lifestyle changes. Dr. Krathen may use topical medicines, oral medications, or injection therapies suchas Dupixent to help manage your eczema symptoms. To help ease discomfort, moisturizers are helpful for some symptoms as well. Dr. Krathen can help to find products that will work for you to ease any discomfort.
Eczema FAQs
How can I tell whether my skin irritation is eczema or something else?
Many skin conditions share similar symptoms, which can make eczema difficult to recognize without evaluation. Dryness, itching, redness, irritation, and a rough texture may also occur with other concerns, such as allergic reactions, psoriasis, fungal conditions, or general skin sensitivity. One clue is that eczema often follows recurring patterns and may behave differently depending on the season, environment, or individual triggers. Since different forms of eczema can look and feel different from one another, identifying the specific type may help guide more effective management and improve long-term skin comfort.
Does eczema mean my skin barrier is weaker than normal?
Eczema is often associated with changes in how the skin protects itself. Healthy skin helps retain moisture and shield the body from outside irritants, but eczema-prone skin may lose moisture more easily and become more reactive. This can contribute to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity to products or environmental factors. Supporting the skin barrier through appropriate skincare habits and individualized treatment recommendations may help improve comfort and reduce unnecessary irritation over time.
Why does eczema sometimes burn or sting instead of only itching?
Although itching is commonly associated with eczema, many patients also experience burning, tenderness, or increased sensitivity. When the skin barrier becomes irritated or inflamed, sensations may vary depending on skin condition, location, and exposure to triggers. Areas that become excessively dry or repeatedly scratched may feel more uncomfortable than expected. Patients sometimes mistake these sensations for an allergic reaction or infection, which is why understanding how eczema presents can help guide treatment decisions and daily skin care.
Can weather changes make eczema symptoms worse?
Environmental conditions often influence eczema in ways that patients may not initially recognize. Cold temperatures, dry indoor air, seasonal transitions, heat, and humidity changes may all affect how skin feels and behaves. Some people notice more dryness and irritation during the winter months, while others experience increased discomfort during warmer weather. Due to triggers varying between individuals, paying attention to seasonal patterns may help create a more supportive skincare routine and improve symptom control throughout the year.
Is it normal for eczema to change in appearance over time?
Yes. Eczema does not always look the same from one flare-up to the next. Symptoms may appear differently depending on age, skin type, location on the body, and the type of eczema involved. At times, skin may appear dry and rough, while at other times it may show redness, irritation, or changes in texture. Some patients notice symptoms becoming milder or shifting locations over time. Tracking these changes may help create a treatment plan that evolves with your skin’s needs.
Can over-treating eczema make symptoms feel worse?
Many patients try multiple products at once, hoping for faster improvement, but adding too many active ingredients or changing routines frequently may sometimes increase irritation. Over-cleansing, aggressive exfoliation, and introducing numerous products simultaneously can leave sensitive skin feeling overwhelmed. Eczema management often benefits from consistency and simplicity. Building a routine around skin support and gradual adjustments may help reduce unnecessary irritation and create a more manageable approach to care.
Can creating a long-term eczema plan improve everyday comfort?
Yes. Since eczema is often an ongoing condition rather than a short-term issue, many patients benefit from developing long-term habits that support healthier skin. A personalized plan may include skincare guidance, treatment recommendations, trigger awareness, and regular adjustments as symptoms evolve. Patients in Natick, Needham, and surrounding Massachusetts communities often find that a proactive approach helps improve comfort, maintain healthier-looking skin, and make flare-ups feel more manageable over time.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you or your child are dealing with some form of eczema, then talk to Dr. Krathen at Essential Dermatology to create a personalized treatment plan. To get started, call our office at (508) 545-9713 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
