Eczema starts inside the body
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition. People who suffer from eczema are often caught in an itch-scratch cycle, where inflammation under the skin triggers itch, which causes the urge to scratch. Scratching damages the skin, which can lead to more inflammation, itching, and scratching.
UNDERSTANDING ECZEMA
If you’ve ever wished someone would explain eczema simply, these quick videos can help. Dr. Ted Lain, a board-certified dermatologist and paid partner, walks through some of the basics so you know what’s happening and why.
A quick look into the facts of eczema and what drives symptoms.
See why your eczema keeps coming back.
THE ITCH-SCRATCH CYCLE
The
itch-scratch
cycle
Itching
Inflammation
Scratching
Itching
Immune cells beneath the skin send inflammatory signals to the surface. This is what makes you think, “I really need to scratch my skin.”
Scratching
Scratching can further damage an already weakened skin barrier, which allows germs, irritants, and allergens to enter the body.
Inflammation
As a result, immune cells continue sending inflammatory signals to the surface, creating a cycle of inflammation, itching, and scratching.
Facts about eczema
- Eczema is a chronic condition, which means it’s present in the body even when you’re not flaring.
- Eczema can present differently based upon age. It commonly appears on the face, hands, feet, knees, neck, elbows, and ankles.
- While many children outgrow eczema, 1 in 5 continue to experience relapses as adults.
- Go-to topical eczema treatments like creams, ointments, and lotions treat symptoms on the surface, but they may not always be enough, and the itchy flares persist.
HOW COULD ECZEMA LOOK ON
YOUR SKIN?
View photos from real eczema patients to better
understand what
moderate-to-severe eczema may look
like across various skin tones.
Rachel,
Actual DUPIXENT
patient since 2017.
Frustrated with moderate-to-severe eczema that keeps coming back? See how DUPIXENT can help.