Eczema, or its most common form “atopic dermatitis”, is a common skin disease affecting around 9 million children and 16 million adults in the U.S. Multiple factors contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis and the condition is not entirely understood. Patients with atopic dermatitis have a genetic predisposition for the skin to become easily inflamed and may report having exquisitely “sensitive” skin. The skin functions less effectively as a barrier to the outside world and may become irritated quite easily.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition for which there is no cure, however many children may “grow out of it” as they enter adulthood. Often gentle skin care and topical medications are enough to control atopic dermatitis for children and adults alike.