Eczema is an itchy, noncontagious inflammation of the skin. In most cases, eczema begins as intense itching, followed by a patchy rash that is red, inflamed, dry and scaly. The rash most often affects the face, arms and legs as well as the creases of the hands and feet.

Often used interchangeably with the term “dermatitis,” eczema appears in many different varieties, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, latex dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, stasis dermatitis and dyshidrotic dermatitis.

Symptoms associated with these forms of eczema vary slightly, as do the treatments used to reduce the skin inflammation and itchiness. Medications such as over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, corticosteroids, antibiotics and antifungal creams are often used to treat eczema.

Patients with eczema can reduce the risk of flare-ups by keeping their skin from becoming too dry. In addition, other steps can be taken to reduce the risk of eczema depending on the nature of the skin disorder that is present.