Atopic Dermatitis and Related Conditions (Eczema)
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin. It affects over 31 million people in the U.S. and is one of the most frequent conditions seen in dermatology. Eczema can start at any age—from infancy to adulthood—and may range from mild to more persistent or severe. It often appears on the face, hands, arms, elbows, and behind the knees, with symptoms that come and go over time.
In children, eczema usually shows up as very dry, itchy skin that can become irritated or infected from scratching. In adults, it may develop later in life—sometimes in the 20s or even after age 50—and often follows a pattern of flare-ups and periods of improvement.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema occurs when the skin barrier is weakened and the immune system becomes overactive. This allows moisture to escape while irritants, allergens, and bacteria enter the skin, leading to inflammation. In simple terms, eczema involves a weak skin barrier, increased dryness, sensitive skin, and ongoing inflammation. Genetics can play a role—children have a higher risk if parents have eczema, asthma, or hay fever—but environment, skincare habits, and triggers are also important.
How Eczema Develops
Eczema follows a repeating cycle: the skin barrier becomes weak, moisture is lost, and irritants enter the skin. The immune system then overreacts, causing redness, itching, and irritation. Scratching makes the skin barrier worse, continuing the cycle. Breaking this cycle is key to controlling eczema long term.
Types of Eczema
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There are several forms of eczema, each with distinct triggers and patterns:
- Atopic dermatitis – the most common type, often linked to allergies and asthma
- Contact dermatitis – triggered by irritants or allergens
- Dyshidrotic eczema – small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet
- Nummular eczema – coin-shaped patches of irritated skin
- Seborrheic dermatitis – affects oily areas such as the scalp and face
- Stasis dermatitis – related to poor circulation, typically on the lower legs
Then dead skin cells don’t shed normally, they build up inside pores and create blackheads and whiteheads. Trapped oil and bacteria then cause swelling, redness, and inflammation, making the pore lining rigid and irritated. Once a pore is blocked, it becomes the perfect environment for acne breakouts to develop.
Trapped oil and bacteria then cause swelling, redness, and inflammation, making the pore lining rigid and irritated.
Once a pore is blocked, it becomes the perfect environment for acne breakouts to develop.
Treatment Options for Eczema?
Eczema treatment focuses on repairing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and preventing flare-ups, with plans tailored to individual needs. Options may include prescription creams, non-steroidal treatments, moisturizers, advanced therapies for severe cases, light therapy, and simple skincare with trigger management. The goal is long-term control—not just temporary relief.
Mild Eczema (1–3 weeks)
Phase 1 (Active Flare):
1% hydrocortisone cream: 2–3x/day
Relieve & Protect ointment: 2–4x/day
Phase 2 (Maintenance):
Ceramide+ cream: 2x/day
Relieve & Protect ointment: 2x/day
Repeat Phase 1 if flare returns, then taper back to maintenance
Moderate to Severe Eczema (12+ weeks)
Phase 1 (Active Flare):
TrueCider serum: 2x/day or vinegar baths
Steroid cream + Relieve & Protect ointment: 2x/day
Ceramide+ cream + ointment: 2x/day
Phase 2 (Maintenance):
TrueCider serum: 2x/day or vinegar baths
Ceramide+ cream: 2–4x/day
Relieve & Protect ointment: 2–4x/day
Reapply steroid during flares, then taper to maintenance
Are your everyday skincare products triggering eczema or causing skin irritation?
Everyday skincare products can sometimes trigger eczema or irritation—even those labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin.” Common culprits include fragrances, preservatives, and harsh cleansers, which can lead to itching, redness, and rashes. Identifying and avoiding these ingredients is an important step in protecting the skin barrier and managing eczema
What Soaps Are Safe for Eczema?
If you have eczema, use gentle, pH-balanced cleansers to avoid drying and irritation. Traditional soaps can be too harsh and damage the skin barrier. Keep showers short, use lukewarm water, and only apply cleanser to areas like the underarms, groin, feet, or visibly dirty skin.
Avoid harsh ingredients like SLS, ALS, and other strong cleansers, as well as CAPB and cocamide DEA. Even some “mild” cleansers can still be drying for sensitive skin. Instead, choose gentle options that help protect the skin barrier. Moisturize right after bathing to lock in hydration—this is key to controlling eczema. Mild products like Dove Beauty Bar may be better tolerated, but very sensitive skin may need even gentler cleansers.
Severe Atopic Dermatitis
