What is eczema?

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    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a common skin condition. "Atopic" refers to a heightened sensitivity toward allergens, leading to frequent, excessive immune reactions that inflame and irritate the skin (dermatitis). Other atopic diseases include allergic rhinitis and asthma. It is most common during childhood, with a prevalence of up to 25% of children affected, but can persist into adulthood; over a lifetime, 7–10% of people will get eczema at some point.[1]

    References

    1. ^Weidinger S, Beck L, Bieber T, Kabashima K, Irvine AAtopic dermatitisNat Rev Dis Primers.(2018 June)