Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
When to Seek Medical Care
Adults of any age can get eczema (or atopic dermatitis), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, scaly patches, and rashes.Eczemais most common in children under age 5, but it can appear, or reappear, in adulthood as well.
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Causes and Triggers
People with eczema tend to have an overactive immune system which can set off an allergic reaction when they come into contact with an irritant, causing inflammation.
There are many potential triggers and risk factors for eczema in adults. Eczema affects each individual differently and the skin condition can worsen with certain triggers, including:
Irritants and Adult EczemaCommon irritants that can trigger adult eczema include:Metals, particularly nickel (which is common in jewelry)Some antibacterial ointments (especially those containing neomycin and bacitracin)Formaldehyde (in disinfectants, glues, and adhesives)Paraphenylenediamine (found in temporary tattoos and leather dyes)
Irritants and Adult Eczema
Common irritants that can trigger adult eczema include:Metals, particularly nickel (which is common in jewelry)Some antibacterial ointments (especially those containing neomycin and bacitracin)Formaldehyde (in disinfectants, glues, and adhesives)Paraphenylenediamine (found in temporary tattoos and leather dyes)
Common irritants that can trigger adult eczema include:
Symptoms of eczemainclude:
Eczema symptoms share similarities with other conditions that affect the skin, such as psoriasis, which have different causes and treatments.
A healthcare provider or skin specialist (such as a dermatologist) can help you get a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of eczema can resemble other skin conditions so additional tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis, includingpatch testingand/or askin biopsy.
There is currently no cure for eczema, however, there are plenty of lifestyle changes andtreatmentoptions that can help manage eczema symptoms:
Look for the NEA Seal of AcceptanceWhen looking for products to help manage your eczema symptoms, look for the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Look for the NEA Seal of Acceptance
When looking for products to help manage your eczema symptoms, look for the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Potential Complications
Some potential complications for adults with eczema include:
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life (such as affecting sleep or emotional health) or are new, ongoing, or worsening.
It is important to see a healthcare professional immediately if a rash:
These symptoms may indicate an infection that needs prompt medical treatment.
Summary
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pyun BY.Natural history and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in children.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2015;7(2):101-5. doi:10.4168/aair.2015.7.2.101American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can you get eczema as an adult?National Eczema Association.Eczema causes & triggers.NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing eczema & dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Eczema product directory.Kim BE, Leung DYM.Significance of skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2018;10(3):207-15. doi:10.4168/aair.2018.10.3.207
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pyun BY.Natural history and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in children.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2015;7(2):101-5. doi:10.4168/aair.2015.7.2.101American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can you get eczema as an adult?National Eczema Association.Eczema causes & triggers.NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing eczema & dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Eczema product directory.Kim BE, Leung DYM.Significance of skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2018;10(3):207-15. doi:10.4168/aair.2018.10.3.207
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pyun BY.Natural history and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in children.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2015;7(2):101-5. doi:10.4168/aair.2015.7.2.101American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can you get eczema as an adult?National Eczema Association.Eczema causes & triggers.NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing eczema & dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Eczema product directory.Kim BE, Leung DYM.Significance of skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2018;10(3):207-15. doi:10.4168/aair.2018.10.3.207
Pyun BY.Natural history and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in children.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2015;7(2):101-5. doi:10.4168/aair.2015.7.2.101
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can you get eczema as an adult?
National Eczema Association.Eczema causes & triggers.
NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing eczema & dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.Eczema product directory.
Kim BE, Leung DYM.Significance of skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2018;10(3):207-15. doi:10.4168/aair.2018.10.3.207
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