Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin irritation that affects adults and children. Usually, it looks like red patches of thick, dry, or scaly skin. Eczema can appear on any part of the body and cause severe skin irritation that itches or burns. At the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, our skilled medical team helps patients identify eczema triggers and develop a lifestyle plan to manage symptoms.

Common Causes of Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is generally thought to be a genetic disease. It appears more frequently in families with a history of eczema, allergies, or asthma. However, any patient with dry or irritable skin and an overactive immune system can develop eczema. Our Atlanta area allergy doctors at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, P.C. look at a combination of family history, medical records, and lifestyle factors when determining the cause of a patient’s eczema. Listed below are several factors that can trigger eczema or cause it to worsen:

• Stress
• Heat and sweat
• Cold or dry climates
• Dry skin
• Contact with an irritating substance or allergen