WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common and chronic skin condition that affects people of all ages, with a higher prevalence in infants and young children. It is characterized by the presence of darker, grayish, or purplish affected areas in darker skin tones and redness in lighter skin tones and is often accompanied by intense itching. This itching can lead to scratching, which in turn exacerbates the inflammation and can potentially cause infections. Eczema is commonly found in areas where the skin folds or where friction occurs. While the exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, it is believed to involve an overactive immune response, and it often runs in families, so it may have a genetic cause as well.