Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, noncontagious skin disorder that causes itchy, scaly patches of skin. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,10% to 30% of children and 2% to 10% of adults have the condition, which is associated with the development of allergies and asthma.
Eczema can run in families, and it may also be driven by environmental triggers. Individuals with the condition are more susceptible to skin infections and sleep disturbances. Common symptoms include dry, scaly patches of skin and small bumps that open and weep when scratched.
While a cure for eczema does not exist, treatments can improve patients' quality of life by reducing skin itching and inflammation. Treatments available to children include steroid and nonsteroid creams, phototherapy, and oral or injectable (i.e., biologic) medications.
In 2025, the American Academy of Dermatology updated its adult eczema treatment guidelines to include systemic immunomodulatory therapies, which change how the immune system functions, and newer topical therapies. Many of these therapies are also available for children or adolescents.
October is Eczema Awareness Month. Experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine are available to discuss patient care, risk factors, treatment options and recent research.
Eczema Experts
- Joy Wan, M.D., M.S.C.E. (clinician)
- Annie Grossberg, M.D. (clinician)
- Robert J. Smith, M.D. (clinician)
- Daniel R. Synkowski, M.D. (clinician)
- Anna Lien-Lun Chien, M.D. (clinician)
- Nathan Archer, Ph.D. (researcher)
