By Leigh Farmer 

If you don’t have eczema, you likely know someone who does. More than 31 million Americans have some form of this skin condition. Also known as atopic dermatitis, it affects up to an estimated 20% of children and 10% of adults in the United States.  

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, itching, flaking and, at its worst, swelling and blistering of the skin. On lighter skin, eczema is often red/pink and on darker skin it can look purple and brown. While not contagious, it can affect a person’s sleep, mental health and overall quality of life. 

“While there is no cure for eczema, you do not need to live with severe eczema,” said JiaDe “Jeff” Yu, M.D., a dual board-certified pediatric and adult dermatologist and the chair of VCU Health Dermatology. “We have available treatments that are both safe and very effective, that can drastically improve your quality of life and your eczema.” 

Yu, also a member of the International Eczema Council, is actively engaged in the study and promotion of care for atopic dermatitis. VCU Health News spoke with him about what causes eczema, how to get diagnosed and the latest treatments for this very common disease. 

JiaDe “Jeff” Yu, M.D., is the the chair of VCU Health Dermatology. (Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Who is most at risk of eczema and what triggers it? 

Eczema tends to be more common in children because of their immature skin barrier, making them more susceptible to irritants. A child’s immune system is not fully developed and can be more reactive to external irritants.  

For older adults, eczema can develop because they tend to have drier skin. As we age, the production of our skin’s oils tends to slow down. This leads to rough, dry and cracking skin which is more vulnerable to irritants and allergens. Some of the largest culprits of irritation that can lead to eczema are dry heat, cold weather, wool and harsh fabrics, fragrances, dust mites and makeup. 

What is the best skin routine for eczema? 

There are several simple steps you can take each day to help your skin stay healthy.  

You can avoid eczema and dry skin with the following dermatologist recommended tips: 

• Moisturize at least once or twice a day from head-to-toe with fragrance-free products and soaps.  
• Use gentle cleansers like sensitive skin bar soap or fragrance-free, pH-balanced products.  
• Do not use piping hot water. Instead, use lukewarm water.  
• Wear cotton fabrics.  
• Avoid cosmetics, fragrances or potential irritants of any kind. 

When should you see a dermatologist for eczema?  

Eczema can be treated over the counter with moisturizers like petroleum jelly or hydrocortisone 0.5% or 1% cream. But it’s best to see a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment. 

Significant advancements in the treatment of eczema means we are no longer reliant on topical or oral steroids. The last several years have seen the arrival of many new and effective non-steroidal topical medications, oral medications and biologics that have helped my patients better manage their eczema. These medications have very few side effects, and very good efficacy and tolerability. 

What causes eczema?  

People tend to point to food as the cause of their eczema. In actuality, foods cause less than 10% of eczema cases.  

Eczema is most commonly caused by a combination of: 

• Genetics: Someone else in the family with eczema, seasonal allergies or food allergies, among others. 
• Environmental effects: The environment or weather can affect skin, such as dry air.   
• Microbiome on the skin: The bad bacteria on the skin can outweigh the good bacteria. 
• Structural skin defects: Someone has a tissue abnormality that causes missing proteins or fatty acids. 

Can you get rid of eczema naturally? 

The best way to keep eczema at bay is to maintain a healthy skin routine and to avoid the irritants mentioned above.  

In all cases, eczema should be taken seriously because it can have a significant impact on your everyday life. Sleep, daily function, job and school performance, as well as social relationships and mental health can all be affected by this chronic skin disease. 

While there is no cure for eczema, treatments are available that are both safe and very effective. 

VCU Health has a comprehensive dermatology practice that covers multiple subspecialties ranging from cosmetic solutions to eczema care to cancer treatments. We recommend making an appointment with one of our dermatologists if you have concerns about your skin health. 

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