{"id":1002,"date":"2025-08-30T20:39:39","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T16:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/?post_type=glossary&#038;p=1002"},"modified":"2025-08-30T23:12:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T19:12:05","slug":"eczema","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/glossary\/eczema\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Eczema in Medical Terms?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and itchiness. It often results in dry, scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, hands, feet, and the inner sides of elbows and knees. Eczema is a non-contagious condition that affects people of all ages but is most common in infants and young children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, leading to an overactive immune response that triggers inflammation in the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you experience persistent itching, redness, or irritation that doesn\u2019t improve with over-the-counter treatments, or if the eczema becomes infected, it\u2019s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment plan based on the type and severity of your eczema.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1017 size-full\" title=\"eczema\" src=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/eczema.webp\" alt=\"eczema\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/eczema.webp 1536w, https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/eczema-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/eczema-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/eczema-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Symptoms of Eczema<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The symptoms of eczema can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but common signs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2699\" data-end=\"2826\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2699\" data-end=\"2713\">Itchy skin<\/strong>: This is often the first and most common symptom of eczema, which can lead to scratching and further irritation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2829\" data-end=\"2897\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2829\" data-end=\"2851\">Red, inflamed skin<\/strong>: Skin may appear red, irritated, and swollen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2995\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2922\">Dry, scaly patches<\/strong>: The skin may become dry and rough, leading to cracked or flaky patches.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2998\" data-end=\"3090\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2998\" data-end=\"3010\">Blisters<\/strong>: In some types of eczema, small blisters may form, causing pain and discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3197\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3111\">Thickened skin<\/strong>: Chronic eczema can lead to skin thickening and hardening due to frequent scratching.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Causes and Risk Factors of Eczema<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The exact cause of eczema is not known, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1911\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1814\">Genetics<\/strong>: A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies increases the likelihood of developing eczema.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1914\" data-end=\"2036\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"1914\" data-end=\"1943\">Immune system dysfunction<\/strong>: People with eczema have an overactive immune response that causes inflammation in the skin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2183\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2065\">Environmental triggers<\/strong>: Exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold can trigger eczema flare-ups.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2317\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2199\">Irritants<\/strong>: Contact with harsh chemicals, soaps, detergents, or rough fabrics like wool can irritate the skin and worsen eczema.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2404\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2332\">Dry skin<\/strong>: Lack of moisture can exacerbate eczema symptoms and trigger flare-ups.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2407\" data-end=\"2489\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2407\" data-end=\"2418\">Climate<\/strong>: Extreme temperatures, especially cold and dry air, can worsen eczema.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2492\" data-end=\"2560\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"2492\" data-end=\"2502\">Stress<\/strong>: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>When to See a Doctor for Eczema?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Seek medical advice for possible eczema if you experience severe itching or skin infections. Consult a doctor if symptoms worsen. Emergency care is necessary for fainting, chest pain, or confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Related Terms of Eczema<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"Psoriasis\" href=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/glossary\/psoriasis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Psoriasis<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"Gastritis\" href=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/glossary\/gastritis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gastritis<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>FAQs for Eczema<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>When should I go to the ER for eczema?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, seek emergency care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>How can heat affect eczema in the UAE?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">High temperatures and humidity can exacerbate eczema symptoms, especially during long-haul flights or fasting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>What are some ways to reduce eczema risk?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Maintaining skin hydration and avoiding known triggers can help manage eczema risk.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and itchiness. It often results in dry, scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, hands, feet, and the inner sides of elbows and knees. Eczema is a non-contagious condition [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1017,"parent":0,"template":"","glossary-cat":[],"class_list":["post-1002","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/1002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/1002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1094,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/1002\/revisions\/1094"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"glossary-cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary-cat?post=1002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}