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Eczema is an inflammation of the skin. It is not life-threatening or contagious. However, it typically causes itchiness, discomfort and a dry, scaly skin rash. Because the disease is intensely itchy, patients often have the urge to rub or scratch the affected area. This only makes the condition worse.

Eczema is a common condition that affects people of all ages and races. It is especially prevalent among children and usually begins within the first year of a child’s life. Around 10 percent of all infants and children have eczema at some point, according to the National Eczema Association for Science and Education.

Some patients’ eczema remains chronic (ongoing) or appears periodically over the course of a lifetime. Some patients may go through years of remission before symptoms resurface.