Eczema is term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated.

The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema.  Atopic refers to a group of diseases with an often inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

Eczema is particularly common in infants and young children.  While many infants who develop the condition outgrow it by their second birthday, some people continue to experience symptoms on and off throughout life.  With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled in the majority of sufferers.

WebMD. (2009, September 18). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/atopic-dermatitis-eczema