Dermatology
Eczema
We offer compassionate care and advanced therapies for infants, children, and adults with eczema. Our dermatology team supports your skin health while helping you look and feel better.
Medically reviewed by Smita Awasthi, M.D. on Aug. 24, 2026.
Advanced Care to Help Manage Your Eczema
The UC Davis Health Department of Dermatology has the region’s largest network of specialty dermatology clinics. Dermatologists (skin specialists) at our clinics offer advanced care to minimize flares and ease symptoms. We help manage this chronic skin condition so you can enjoy a better quality of life.
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Types of Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition with inflamed skin that causes an itchy rash. Eczema can flare up, causing symptoms, and then go away for a while (remission). Itchy, inflamed skin increases your risk of infections and scars. The condition affects people of all ages, from infants to adults.
There are several types of eczema:
- Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin.
- Contact dermatitis is a reaction to an allergen or irritant. You develop an itchy, inflamed rash with blisters.
- Dyshidrotic eczema causes tiny, itchy blisters on your hands or feet.
- Hand eczema causes dry, chapped skin that may bleed or itch.
- Nummular eczema causes round thickened skin patches that itch or bleed.
- Seborrheic dermatitis causes inflamed, scaly skin on the scalp, face and upper chest. It is also known as cradle cap and dandruff.
- Stasis dermatitis affects people with poor blood flow to their legs. Dry, itchy skin on your legs and ankles can develop sores (ulcers).
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema affects everyone differently. Symptoms depend on the type you have. Itchy skin is a common symptom. The condition can affect any part of your body.
Common Symptoms
Eczema causes:
- Discolored skin
- Dry, scaly skin
- Extremely itchy skin
- Rough, thick skin
- Skin that oozes or gets crusty
- Swelling
- Redness
Emergency Symptoms
Some people get into an itch-scratch cycle, scratching the skin until it bleeds. Bacteria can enter broken skin, causing an infection. You should seek medical care for these signs of infection:
- Fever with or without chills
- Red streaks that extend away from the wound
- Severe pain
- Skin that is tender, swollen and warm
- Yellow, foul-smelling discharge
Causes and Risk Factors for Eczema
Eczema occurs when your immune system is overly sensitive to irritants and allergens. Certain factors can make you prone to eczema.
Age
Eczema is more common in children younger than 5 years old. But older children, teens and adults get eczema, too.
Exposure to Irritants
Clothing, foods, fragrances, pet dander, pollen and weather changes are among the things that can cause eczema to flare up. Stress can also cause your skin to flare up.
Gene Changes
Some people have gene changes (mutations) that weaken the skin barrier. Your skin barrier protects your body from irritants and allergens.
Medical History
As many as seven in 10 people with eczema have a family member with the condition. A family history or personal diagnosis of asthma and allergies also increases risk.
Diagnosis and Testing for Eczema
Identifying the type of eczema is the first step to an effective treatment plan. Our dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and managing all eczema types.
Skin Exam
Your provider will look for skin changes and signs of infection. They will ask you about symptoms, as well as your family and personal medical history. Experienced dermatologists can often diagnose eczema by how the rash looks.
Blood Test
A blood test can measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Your body makes more of these proteins when you have an allergic reaction. Most of the time this test is not needed.
Patch Test
A patch test identifies allergens that cause skin rashes. This test may take place at our dedicated Patch Test Clinic. Your provider applies an adhesive patch that contains allergens to your back. You then see your provider again to check for allergic reactions.
Skin Biopsy or Culture
Your provider may take a small sample of tissue or liquid from a rash. This is a less common test. Experts at our Dermatopathology Service examine the sample to diagnose or rule out skin conditions. Our lab experts focus exclusively on skin diseases, offering a high level of accuracy.
Eczema Treatments
Most children outgrow eczema. But in some cases, the condition persists. It can also appear for the first time in adulthood. Our dermatologists understand the challenges of living with a chronic itchy skin condition. We offer the latest therapies to minimize eczema flares and protect your skin.
Antihistamines
Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can sometimes be used to reduce itch, depending on the cause.
Steroid Medications
Corticosteroid medications can help ease inflammation and itching. The medication can be applied to skin (topical), taken by mouth (oral pills) or injected into skin.
Nonsteroidal Medications
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, and topical janus kinase inhibitors are nonsteroidal medications that you apply to skin. These medicines work similarly to steroid medications to ease inflammation.
Immune System Medications
Certain medicines can calm the immune system. These treatments ease inflammation.
Monoclonal Antibody Medications
Injectable monoclonal antibody medications treat moderate-to-severe eczema that does not improve with prescription medications you apply directly to your skin.
Phototherapy
Exposure to certain types of ultraviolet (UV) light can calm an overreactive immune system. Phototherapy takes place at your provider’s office.
Skin Care
Gentle cleansers and moisturizing products like emollients can hydrate and protect your skin. Your provider can recommend a skin care regimen for your specific needs.
Wet Wrap Therapy
Wet wrapping can soothe severe eczema and rehydrate skin. After bathing and applying moisturizer or medication, you wrap the treated area with a wet bandage or damp clothing. You apply dry bandages or clothing over the damp layer and sleep with the wrappings in place.
Eczema Prevention
These actions may lower your risk of developing eczema or having a flare-up.
Avoid Irritants
Avoid known allergens and irritants as much as possible. Wear latex-free gloves when encountering an irritant.
Dress Smart
Wear loose-fitting clothes made of soft fabric that won’t irritate your skin.
Protect Your Skin
Bathe or shower in warm (not hot) water. Use hypoallergenic skin care products and moisturize often.
Seek Help to Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoke is an irritant that can make eczema worse. Talk to your provider about ways to stop smoking.
“What is Eczema?” Allergy and Asthma Network, https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-eczema/
Close to
32MAmericans have eczema.
Eczema occurs
60%Of the time before age 1.
Sources: Allergy & Asthma Network: What Is Eczema?
National Library of Medicine: Eczema
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