It’s probably a good bet that you have gotten the blank look, followed by the question, “What is eczema?” Sometimes a mumbled response of “this skin thing” doesn’t really work. In the future, take it upon yourself to instruct the uninitiated into the world of skin disorders and what it means to you. Or if you want to continue to avoid the conversation at all costs, at least refresh your memory as to the annoying details that are involved with eczema.

• triggers of eczema
• symptoms of eczema
• is it contagious

The triggers of eczema depend on when in life they occur. The overwhelming majority of people with eczema have been dealing with the symptoms since infancy or shortly there after. In some cases, though unusual, the symptoms can break out due to certain occupational hazards. It can happen that an irritant or allergen that you may come in contact with at home or work may bring about the appearance of eczema. House keeping workers and people in restaurants often deal with harsh chemicals. In these situations, eczema can affect some people in adulthood.

There are several different types of eczema. Most of them start by the appearance of very dry skin. Some people may notice bubble looking things that look to be under the surface of the skin. At first it won’t bother you much and then the itching sets in. Anywhere those bubble things are it itches. Many people report that it feels like the itching is under the skin. The next thing to look forward to is the red painful rash as the lesions come to the surface and burst. Infection is common when the blisters open. Keep in mind the itching hasn’t stopped yet. Over all this picture of eczema is fairly accurate and most eczema sufferers have experienced this all too often.

In addition to the question of what is that on your skin, you will probably be asked if eczema is contagious. You can set everyone’s minds at rest – no it isn’t. It can’t be caught or passed on. Everyone with normal skin is perfectly safe from those of us affected by eczema or psoriasis for that matter.