Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
Eczemaan umbrella term for itchy, inflamed skin
Eczema is an umbrella term for skin conditions in which the skin becomes inflamed, with itching, redness and flaking. It is not a single disease: several forms exist, each with its own cause and approach. This page helps you recognise the forms and find the full page for each.
What is eczema?
Eczema is the overarching name for a group of skin conditions with inflamed skin. All forms share the same features: itching, redness, dry or flaking skin and sometimes small blisters or cracks. Doctors also use the word dermatitis, which means the same thing. Eczema is not contagious, none of its forms are.
Which forms of eczema exist?
The form determines the cause and the treatment. The most common forms: atopic eczema, caused by an inherited predisposition and often starting in childhood; contact eczema, caused by contact with an irritating or allergy-triggering substance such as nickel, fragrance or cleaning products; hand eczema, often a combination of predisposition and strain from work or wet work; and seborrheic eczema, with flaky, greasy patches on the scalp and face. At the bottom of this page you will find the full page for each form.
How do you recognise eczema?
Eczema almost always itches. The skin is red, dry and flaky, sometimes with bumps, blisters or cracks. The location often points to the form: elbow and knee folds suggest atopic eczema, symptoms after contact with a product suggest contact eczema, and greasy flaking on the scalp or face suggests seborrheic eczema. A dermatologist usually recognises the form from the picture and your story.
How is eczema treated?
Treatment differs per form, but the basis is the same for almost every form: moisturise the skin daily with a neutral, greasy cream or ointment, even when the eczema is calm. For the eczema patches themselves the doctor usually prescribes an anti-inflammatory cream, such as a corticosteroid cream. In contact eczema the most important step is avoiding the substance that causes it. The page for each form covers the full treatment.
What can you do yourself?
Keep the skin moisturised, also outside the patches. Shower briefly and lukewarm, and use little or no soap. Scratch as little as possible: scratching damages the skin and keeps the itch going. If you are unsure which form you have or the eczema does not settle, put it to a dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions about eczema
Is eczema contagious?
No. No form of eczema is contagious, not even through touch or shared towels.
Is eczema hereditary?
In atopic eczema an inherited predisposition plays a role. Contact eczema is not hereditary: it is caused by contact with a substance.
Which form of eczema do I have?
The location, pattern and timing of the symptoms usually point to the form. A dermatologist can almost always recognise it from the picture and your story.
Does eczema go away on its own?
It differs per form. Atopic eczema is chronic, with calm and active periods. Contact eczema usually improves once you avoid the causing substance.
Sources and more information
- NVDV patient leaflets on atopic eczema, contact eczema, hand eczema and seborrheic eczema (nvdv.nl)
The forms of eczema
All conditions A–ZAtopic eczema
Eczema caused by an inherited predisposition, often starting in childhood.
Contact eczema
Redness and itching after contact with an irritating or allergy-triggering substance.
Hand eczema
Red, itchy and flaking hands from inflammation of the skin.
Seborrheic eczema
Flaky, greasy patches on the scalp and face.