Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory, and itchy skin condition. It often flares up periodically and then improves.
Eczema can affect any part of the body but it is common to have eczema on the hands, fingers, the back of the knees, and the inside of the elbows. It is possible to have eczema on the face, eyelids, and other parts of the body. It is more common in children than in adults.

It is thought that a combination of factors cause eczema. The immune system, genes, environmental factors, and other factors all play a role in the condition.
Eczema causes damage to the skin barrier. This causes water loss from the skin and can cause dryness and itching. The skin may also become more sensitive to irritants and things that cause allergic responses. This may lead to an overreaction from the immune system that causes inflammation of the skin, redness, and itching.
People with a family history of asthma, hay fever, and/or eczema are more likely to develop eczema themselves. The most common type of eczema is atopic eczema.

Many people with eczema have certain things that can trigger their symptoms and cause them to worsen or flare up. These triggers can vary from person to person and include:

• Dietary triggers – e.g. milk, soy, egg, peanut, wheat
• Weather – some people find their symptoms improve in the summer and worsen in the winter
• Allergens – e.g. pollen, dust mites, pet fur
• Irritants – changing soaps or detergents can worsen eczema and certain clothing fabric can be irritating to sensitive skin
• Hormonal triggers – eczema may worsen or improve at different times of the menstrual cycle