Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by heightened sensitivity to allergens, which results in inflammation and irritation of the skin. It primarily affects children, with up to 25% prevalence, but can also persist into adulthood and affects 7% to 10% of people over their lifetime.

The main signs and symptoms of eczema include red, inflamed, dry, and itchy skin lesions that can become swollen, oozing, and crusty, which potentially leads to thickened skin from scratching. Additionally, psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia are commonly associated with the condition.

Eczema is diagnosed primarily through signs, symptoms, and medical history, together with consideration of chronicity to differentiate it from other conditions. A family history of related conditions and the use of scoring systems like EASI and SCORAD help to assess severity and monitor treatment progress.

The main medical treatments for eczema include topical barrier creams and corticosteroids as first-line options, along with oral and topical antihistamines. If these are insufficient, immunosuppressive drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, JAK inhibitors, and others may be used.

Several supplements, particularly vitamin D and probiotics, have been studied for eczema and show promise based on clinical trials. Vitamin D aids in immune regulation and skin moisture barrier formation, and probiotics help manage inflammation and maintain gut health.

Partially hydrolyzed whey protein infant formula may lower the risk of developing eczema later in life. Additionally, adequate levels of vitamin D, zinc, and selenium are associated with a reduced risk of eczema, although the causal relationships for zinc and selenium remain unclear.

Fabric selection can affect eczema symptoms, and softer fabrics like cotton and silk are preferable over scratchier ones like wool. Additionally, treatments such as phototherapy and alternative fabrics treated with antibacterial agents, particularly silver, show promise but require further research.

Eczema is influenced by genetics, and several genes are associated with its risk; this condition is often associated with microbiome disruption, which affects immune regulation. Other contributing factors may include smoking, maternal alcohol consumption, stress, seasonal birth, exposure to phthalates and hard water, as well as early-life use of antibiotics and acetaminophen.