What to know about living with eczema

Your skin can vary over time. Maybe sometimes it feels supple and strong, and at others, it can feel irritated, sore and…just off. Symptoms like dryness and itching can be hard to place because they might seem temporary—but if it’s eczema, they’ll linger and need a little more care. Read on to learn more about eczema, some common concerns and how to manage eczema symptoms so that you can live comfortably in your skin.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that affects about 1 out of every 10 people in the United States.¹ It makes your skin feel dry and itchy, like a nagging area that you want to scratch. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis (AD), which can affect both adults and children.^2,4 People with a personal or family history of allergies or asthma can be more likely to develop eczema.^1,2

What does eczema look like?

Eczema can look and feel different for everyone. Common symptoms are an itchy, scaly rash on your face, hands, arms, legs and other parts of the body.² It might look white, gray or red and can appear purple or dark brown depending on your skin tone.² In babies, eczema generally starts in dry spots on their faces. In both children and adults, the itchy patches might make you want to scratch them—but try not to! Scratching can break the skin and make the irritation worse, leading to inflammation or infection.¹

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Eczema goes beneath the surface

The flaky, dry skin is a nagging issue for people with eczema. The itching can interfere with the quality of your sleep, leaving you feeling depleted and groggy the next day.^1,3

People with eczema can be more likely to have other conditions as well, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and food allergies.⁴ For some people, the time and costs for additional doctors’ visits and care can really add up and feel like an extra burden.³

Eczema also has invisible impacts that can change how you experience and engage with the world. If your skin feels like it’s burning or has itching, flaking wounds, you may not feel up to social or physical activities.^1,3 Unexpected flare-ups can make people feel socially anxious and affect the way they interact in school or work settings.^1,3 Getting mental health support, such as talk therapy or practicing mindful meditation, can help you cope better with managing eczema day to day.

Online treatment for eczema

At Teladoc Health, we’ve made skin care more accessible so that you don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment with a doctor. With a virtual consultation, you’ll upload and share images along with a description of your symptoms. A U.S. board-certified dermatologist will review them and return a customized treatment plan. Your online doctor will even arrange for any prescriptions if needed so that you can start your treatment sooner. We’re here to help you get started today!

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Published July 7, 2023