goodtoknow says: There are two types of eczema and they're both very treatable. The most common is atopic eczema which mainly affects children, although many grow out of it, and can run in families. Contact eczema is more common in adults and is often caused by an allergy to something that irritates your skin, such as perfume and nickel. Eczema makes your skin dry, itchy, flaky and red and usually appears between creases, especially behind your knees and elbows. Treat it by keeping your skin as moist as possible and stop scratching!

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of eczema from patient.co.uk, read on.

Atopic eczema is an inflammation of the skin which tends to flare-up from time to time. It usually starts in early childhood. There is no 'cure', but treatment can usually control or ease symptoms. Emollients (moisturisers) and steroid creams or ointments are the common treatments. About 2 in 3 children with eczema 'grow out of it' by their mid teens.

What is atopic eczema?

Eczema is sometimes called dermatitis which means 'inflammation of the skin'. There are different types of eczema. The most common type is atopic eczema. In this type of eczema there is a typical pattern of skin inflammation which causes the symptoms.

The word 'atopic' describes people with certain 'allergic' tendencies. However, atopic eczema is not just a simple allergic condition. People with atopic eczema have an increased chance of developing other 'atopic' conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

• Next: What are the symptoms of atopic eczema?

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