1. By: Amanda Wolfe

2.  A medical condition in which patches of skin
become rough and inflamed, with blisters
that cause itching and bleeding, sometimes
resulting from a reaction to irritation
(eczematous dermatitis) but more typically
having no obvious external cause.

3.  Some forms of eczema can be triggered by
substances that come in contact with the
skin, such as
soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelr
y, or sweat.
 Changes in temperature or humidity, or even
psychological stress, can lead to outbreaks of
eczema in some people.

4.  Sometimes the itching will start before the
rash appears, but when it does the rash most
commonly occurs on the face, back of the
knee, wrists, hands, or feet.
 Affected areas usually appear very
dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned
people, these area s may initially appear
reddish then turn brown.

5.  Since the disease makes skin dry and
itchy, lotions and creams are recommended
to keep to keep the skin moist.
 Treatment of eczema may involve both
lifestyle changes and use of medications.

6.  Nearly 30 million people, including children
, suffer from eczema, and it is one of the most
common conditions that causes people to visit
the doctor.
 Eczema prevalence among adults was highest
in those aged 16-24. For men there was no
change in the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed
eczema since 1995-1996, and only a small
increase for women (from 15% in 1995-1996 to
16% in 2001.