What is eczema?

Eczema is best defined as an inflammatory, painful itching disease of the skin. This condition is characterized by redness, swelling, and intense itching, which can lead to scratching and further inflammation. Eczema often occurs in individuals with a history of allergies or asthma, indicating its link to inflammatory responses in the body.

While dry skin can be a symptom of eczema, it does not encompass the full scope of the condition, which primarily involves inflammation and discomfort. Similarly, an allergic skin reaction describes a broader category of skin responses that can occur due to various allergens but does not specifically identify the chronic, inflammatory nature of eczema. Lastly, a skin infection refers to a condition caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi invading the skin, which is not the same as eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Understanding eczema in this way highlights its complex nature beyond just dryness or allergy.