Eczema is a condition where areas of the skin become red, itchy and inflamed. At times, tiny raised bumps (blisters) filled with fluid are present too.

Initially, the skin gets too dry and flaky. At its initial stages, you notice a rash or small reddish patch on hands, feet, behind the knees, on the ankles, wrist, eyelids, or the neck. There is itching present especially during the night. Small blisters might be present too.

The main cause for eczema is an allergy to environmental toxins, irritants and microbes. Very hot and very cold temperatures can also lead to eczema. It is due to genetic variations in some individuals where substances that are harmless to other people cause an allergy in some people.

There are many types of eczema. Atopic eczema occurs due to family history or tendency. Contact dermatitis occurs due to direct contact of the allergens to skin. Adult seborrhoeic dermatitis affects the scalp, torso, face and flexures. Infantile seborrheic affects the scalp. Discoid eczema has a typical disc-shaped blister on the skin. Other forms are pompholyx, asteatotic and varicose eczema.

People having a family history of eczema or any allergy are more prone to eczema. Asthmatic people and children below five years of age are more likely to get eczema. People who are exposed to environmental irritants, chemicals like soap and dyes, and detergents are more prone to develop eczema.