Eczema in Adults: Everything You Need to Know

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can result in scaly patches, dry skin, blisters, irritation, and rashes.

Eczema is most common in children before age 5, but it can appear, or even reappear, in adulthood as well.

This article will discuss eczema in adults, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, potential complications, and more.

Causes of Eczema in Adults

There's no one known cause of eczema. It's thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. People with eczema tend to have an overactive immune system. Their immune system can set off an allergic reaction when they come into contact with an irritant, causing inflammation.

There are a number of potential triggers and risk factors for eczema in adults. Eczema affects each individual differently and the skin condition can worsen with certain triggers, including:

• Stress
• Allergens, including being allergic to certain ingredients in hygiene or household products, or even foods or seasonal allergies
• Dry skin
• Genetics
• Environmental irritants, including the weather patterns where you live

Symptoms of Eczema in Adults

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Redness
• A scaly rash
• Itchiness
• Dryness
• Oozing, weeping, or crusting
• Cracked or broken skin

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.

Adult Eczema Diagnosis

There are no specific tests that can confirm an eczema diagnosis. However, healthcare providers can diagnose the skin condition based on the amount of symptoms and how those symptoms present.

Healthcare providers will take note of how many minor and major eczema features are being experienced in order to come to an eczema diagnosis. In order to be diagnosed with eczema, someone must have three or more features from both the major and minor features.

Treatment of Eczema in Adults

There is currently no cure for eczema. However, there are plenty of treatments that can help manage eczema's symptoms such as:

• Keeping skin well-moisturized
• Not using hot water when bathing or washing hands
• Avoiding known triggers
• Taking a diluted bleach bath
• Limiting sun exposure
• Using over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, such as hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines
• Using medicines prescribed by your doctor, such as oral or topical steroids, antibiotics, or JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitors

Potential Complications for Adults With Eczema

Some potential complications for adults with eczema include:

• Increased chance of bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections
• Reduced immune function

When to See a Healthcare Professional

You should see a healthcare provider if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life (such as affecting your sleep or emotional health) or are new or worsening.

It's important to see a healthcare professional immediately if a rash comes on quickly, covers a large portion of the body, blisters, or is accompanied by a fever or pain. This may indicate infection that needs prompt medical treatment.

Summary

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is most common in childhood, but it can appear or reappear during adulthood. Eczema is marked by a red, scaly rash as well as itchiness, dryness, and cracked or broken skin.

No single test can diagnose eczema, but the condition can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on symptoms. Treatment options will vary based on the individual and their triggers.

A Word From Verywell

Eczema symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. However, with the right course of treatment and self-care, eczema can be managed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the triggers of your eczema so you can work to prevent flare-ups and improve your quality of life.