Acute Phase of Eczema. Photo Heather L. Brannon, MD

Updated December 15, 2014.

Eczema is a term that is used often, but can be confusing because it's often used incorrectly. As technology improves, we are learning more about the actual causes of eczema. This has led researchers to divide eczema into two groups, atopic and non-atopic, based on whether certain parts of the immune system are overactive.

While there are some subtle differences between the appearance of these two eczema types, they often look the same depending on how long the rash has been present.

Both rashes can go through the different stages of eczema the longer they persist.

This difference in stages is important because certain treatments work better on different stages of the rash. All three stages respond to antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec and topical steroids. Oral antibiotics like cephalexin and dicloxacillin are useful in all three stages if bacteria have invaded breaks in the skin. Some of the treatments that tend to be useful for each stage are discussed below.

Source:

Habif, Thomas. "Eczema and Hand Dermatitis." Clinical Dermatology, 4th Edition. Ed. Thomas Habif, MD. New York: Mosby, 2004. 41-9.

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Eczema - Description, Treatment, Stages - Dermatology