Eczema is not a single skin condition, but a group of conditions that lead to inflamed, itchy skin. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is caused when your skin is unable to protect itself against irritants and allergens because of a problem with your immune system.

Another form of the condition is called contact dermatitis, which, as the name implies, results from touching an allergen or irritant. There are several other forms of eczema, but these are relatively uncommon and can only be diagnosed after a thorough examination with Dr. Mikell.

Eczema often affects children, many of whom outgrow the disease. Millions of adults, however, still suffer from the condition, which can come and go.

The primary hallmark of eczema, especially of atopic dermatitis, is red, itchy skin. Under this broad umbrella, eczema can lead to:

• Severe itching at night

• Small bumps

• Cracked skin

• Swollen skin from scratching

• Discolored patches of skin

Eczema can also show up anywhere on your body.

The short answer to this question is that eczema is caused by a variation in your genes, which can be triggered by your environment.

Medical researchers have linked eczema to allergies and asthma, but they’re not sure of the nature of the connection and which one is responsible for the other. They do know that a faulty immune system is at the heart of it.

Dr. Mikell offers numerous treatments to clear up your eczema, which includes:

• Corticosteroid creams

• Oral corticosteroids to control inflammation

• Light therapy using UVB rays

As important as the solutions that he offers are the suggestions he makes to help you deal with the condition at home. These include:

• Bleach baths

• Moisturizers

• Trigger avoidance

• Gentle cleansers

Between Dr. Mikell’s prescribed therapies and your at-home care, you can control your eczema, minimizing its impact on your life.