Eczema is the name for a group of inflammatory skin conditions. There are 7 types of eczema and they may cause dry skin, itchiness, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. Although there is no cure for eczema, several types of treatments may help manage eczema symptoms.¹

Approximately 31.6 million people, roughly 10% of the U.S. population, have some form of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema with an estimated 16.5 million adults having the disease and 6.6 million of those adults meeting the criteria for moderate to severe disease. About 9.6 million children (<18 years) also have atopic dermatitis with one-third having moderate to severe disease.²

Atopic dermatitis is common in childhood, approximately 80% of people with the disease have onset before 6 years of age. It may also occur in adulthood with 1 in 4 adults reporting symptom onset and almost 40% being affected with moderate to severe disease. Genetics play a role; people with a family history of eczema, asthma or allergies have a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Environmental factors like pollution, climate and exposure to irritants may also increase the chances of developing atopic dermatitis, and children living in urban environments have a higher risk for prolonged disease.²

A trigger is something that causes or aggravates a person’s eczema. People rarely have just one trigger for an eczema flare, and flares can appear some time after exposure to a trigger making it difficult to identify potential triggers. Some common triggers include fabrics, metals, environmental (pollen, dust mites, mold, cigarette smoke), weather, pets, insects, fragrance, and stress.¹