Eczema is a term for a group of skin conditions caused by inflammation, making the skin itchy and rashy.

Normal, healthy skin has an "outer skin barrier" that helps to keep moisture in while keeping irritants out. People with eczema have a genetically weak "outer skin barrier," which means that there are "holes" in the barrier that usually protects their skin. This damaged barrier easily loses moisture and lets irritants in, causing dry and itchy skin.

Eczema happens in cycles — at times, your skin may feel okay. Other times, it will feel itchy, and scratching leads to red, rashy, and/or leathery skin. Eczema tends to flare up when you're exposed to triggers, which are substances or conditions that aggravate your eczema. These can include dry skin, irritants, rough fabrics such as wool, emotional stress, heat and sweating. When you're experiencing a flare, you're more likely to scratch, which can lead to even itchier skin and cause or worsen the rash.

Eczema most frequently appears on the face, arms, and legs, but it can show up in other areas, too.

Eczema is a general term for a set of skin conditions caused by inflammation, and is characterized by an itchy rash. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type of eczema. The general term “eczema” is usually used to refer to AD. The word “atopic” means an allergy that is usually hereditary, and “dermatitis” is defined as inflammation of the skin.

It’s estimated that eczema affects 35 million Americans: 1-3% of adults, and 10-20% of children. Seventy percent of cases start in children younger than 5 years old, and about 60% of infants who have eczema continue to have one of more symptoms in adulthood.

No, you cannot contract eczema from coming into contact with someone who has it. Eczema has been shown to be hereditary, and is more commonly found in families with a history of allergies or asthma.

No, eczema is a chronic disease. But there are ways to manage it. Avoiding known triggers and following a proper daily bathing and moisturizing routine are the best way to find relief. Select skincare products that are designed for people with eczema, such as NEOSPORIN^® ESSENTIALS™.

This is what is known as an eczema “flare.” Flares are generally caused by triggers, which can be substances or conditions that worsen dry skin, such as dry skin, irritants, rough fabrics such as wool, emotional stress, heat and sweating. Use our Flare Discovery Tool to help identify your triggers. Once you know what they are, you should do your best to avoid them. To help soothe the itch that happens during flares, try NEOSPORIN^® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS™ 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream.

Avoiding known triggers and following a daily bathing and moisturizing routine are the best ways to manage eczema. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser like NEOSPORIN^® MOISTURE ESSENTIALS™ Daily Body Wash, and a moisturizer that’s shown to restore healthier-looking skin, like NEOSPORIN^® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS™ Daily Moisturizing Cream. To help soothe the itch that happens during flares, try NEOSPORIN^® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS™ 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream.

Eczema is a term for a group of skin conditions caused by inflammation, making the skin itchy and rashy. Normal, healthy skin has an “outer skin barrier” that helps to keep moisture in while keeping irritants out. People with eczema have a genetically weak “outer skin barrier,” which means that there are “holes” in the barrier that usually protects their skin. This damaged barrier easily loses moisture and lets irritants in, causing dry and itchy skin.

The Daily Body Wash and the Daily Moisturizing Cream are appropriate for use on the whole family, and can be used daily. The Anti-itch Cream is for children over 2 years old.

No, eczema is not contagious. Eczema has been shown to be hereditary, so if you or people in your family have eczema, it might be more likely for your child to have it.

The best way to prevent scratching is by avoiding known triggers, and following a daily moisturizing and bathing routine. For immediate itch relief, try applying a moisturizer that's shown to restore healthier-looking skin, like NEOSPORIN^® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS™ Daily Moisturizing Cream. To help soothe the itch that happens during flares, try NEOSPORIN^® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS™ 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream. Other methods are keeping your child's fingernails short and clean, avoiding overheating, and using a cool, wet washcloth over the itchy area.

The moisturizing cream is shown in a clinical study to reduce itch immediately after application, and you'll see a significant reduction in itch, dryness, and irritation in as little as 3 days.

NEOSPORIN^® ECZEMA ESSENTIALS™ Daily Moisturizing Cream goes beyond ordinary lotions to relieve dryness, itch and irritation due to eczema while also helping to strengthen and restore the skin's natural barrier function. The unique RELIPID™ formula contains a lipid, humectant, emollient, and botanical blend to help retain moisture essential for healthy-looking skin.

NEOSPORIN^® ESSENTIALS™ were designed for people with mild to moderate eczema. If you have oozing or severely cracked skin, you should see your doctor.