Almost always, eczema itches. Examples of eczema include allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. This pamphlet will describe and discuss a special type of eczema called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. It often runs in families. These families may have allergies such as hay fever and asthma, but can also have sensitive skin and a history of eruptions called atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is very common in all parts of the world.
It affects about ten percent of infants and three percent of all people in the United States. The disease can occur at any age but is most common in infants to young adults. The skin rash is very itchy and can be widespread or limited to a few areas. The condition frequently improves in childhood or at least before age 25. About 50 percent of patients are affected throughout life, although not as severely as during early childhood.