Adults of any age can get eczema (or atopic dermatitis), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, scaly patches, and rashes. Eczema is most common in children under age 5, but it can appear, or reappear, in adulthood as well.
If eczema develops for the first time in adulthood, it commonly happens in your 50s. It may be triggered by a number of factors, including stress, allergens, and environmental irritants.
Causes and Triggers
Adult eczema has no one known cause. It's thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
People with eczema tend to have an overactive immune system which can set off an allergic reaction when they come into contact with an irritant, causing inflammation.
There are many potential triggers and risk factors for eczema in adults. Eczema affects each individual differently and the skin condition can worsen with certain triggers, including:
- Stress
- Allergens (e.g., product ingredients, foods, fabrics, seasonal allergy triggers like pollen)
- Dry skin
- Sweat
- Environmental irritants (e.g., cigarette smoke, exposure to extreme heat or cold)
Irritants and Adult Eczema
Common irritants that can trigger adult eczema include:
- Metals, particularly nickel (which is common in jewelry)
- Some antibacterial ointments (especially those containing neomycin and bacitracin)
- Formaldehyde (in disinfectants, glues, and adhesives)
- Paraphenylenediamine (found in temporary tattoos and leather dyes)
Symptoms
Symptoms of eczema include:
- Redness
- A scaly rash
- Itchiness
- Dryness
- Oozing, weeping, or crusting
- Cracked or broken skin
Eczema symptoms share similarities with other conditions that affect the skin, such as psoriasis, which have different causes and treatments.
A healthcare provider or skin specialist (such as a dermatologist) can help you get a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
There are no specific tests that can confirm an eczema diagnosis. However, healthcare providers can diagnose the condition based on a careful physical examination and by noting the symptoms being experienced.
Symptoms of eczema can resemble other skin conditions so additional tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis, including patch testing and/or a skin biopsy.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for eczema, however, there are plenty of lifestyle changes and treatment options that can help manage eczema symptoms:
- Keep skin well-moisturized (apply moisturizer directly after bathing, on damp skin)
- Avoid hot water when bathing or washing hands
- Use mild cleansers instead of harsh soaps
- Avoid known triggers
- Take a diluted bleach bath
- Try limited sun exposure
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, such as hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines
- Use medicines prescribed by your doctor, such as oral or topical steroids, antibiotics, or JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitors
Look for the NEA Seal of Acceptance
When looking for products to help manage your eczema symptoms, look for the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Potential Complications
Some potential complications for adults with eczema include:
- Increased chance of bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections
- Reduced immune function
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life (such as affecting sleep or emotional health) or are new, ongoing, or worsening.
It is important to see a healthcare professional immediately if a rash:
- Develops quickly
- Covers a large portion of the body
- Has blisters
- Is accompanied by pain, fever, and/or illness
- Involves the eyes, lips, mouth, or genital skin
These symptoms may indicate an infection that needs prompt medical treatment.
Summary
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is most common in childhood, but it can appear or reappear during adulthood. Eczema is marked by a red, scaly rash as well as itchiness, dryness, and cracked or broken skin.
No single test can diagnose eczema, but the condition can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on symptoms. Treatment options will vary based on the individual and their triggers.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pyun BY.Natural history and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in children.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2015;7(2):101-5. doi:10.4168/aair.2015.7.2.101
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Can you get eczema as an adult?
National Eczema Association. Eczema causes & triggers.
NYU Langone Health. Diagnosing eczema & dermatitis.
National Eczema Association. Eczema product directory.
Kim BE, Leung DYM.Significance of skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2018;10(3):207-15. doi:10.4168/aair.2018.10.3.207
By Molly Burford
Molly Burford is a mental health advocate and wellness book author with almost 10 years of experience in digital media.
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