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October is Eczema Awareness Month

October 20, 2025

October marks Eczema Awareness Month across the United States, a time for educating the public about this widespread skin condition in support of the millions who live with it every day. As an annual observance, it plays a crucial role in raising funds for research and building awareness about a skin condition that affects more individuals than many realize.

In 1988, the National Eczema Association (NEA) established October as Eczema Awareness Month to advocate for patients and educate communities about this complex skin condition. NEA dedicates this month-long initiative to reducing stigma, raising public awareness and driving progress in helping people learn about treatment options through events, educational campaigns, and support provided within the community.

Several prominent organizations join NEA in promoting awareness during October, including the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The American Skin Association (ASA) has also become an active participant, encouraging people experiencing symptoms to consult healthcare practitioners and explore available treatment options.

“Eczema is a chronic skin condition,” says Michael Steppie, M.D. and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. “However with proper diagnosis, it can be managed with a variety of treatment options, including lifestyle adjustments and systemic medications as needed. Since many people experience recurring flare-ups, eczema can be frustrating when left unattended. Younger patients may experience social anxiety and low self-esteem, even though symptoms often improve with age.” It is also important to watch for more severe symptoms, such as swelling, excessive redness or fever, which indicate the need for medical attention as damaged skin is more susceptible to secondary infections.

Is eczema the same as atopic dermatitis?

While you might hear "eczema" and "atopic dermatitis" used interchangeably, they aren't exactly the same. Eczema is a general term for several types of skin inflammation, whereas atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is often linked to a family history of allergies and typically shows up as dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. However, eczema comes in many forms, each with its own characteristics:

Atopic Dermatitis: Most often a genetic condition, environmental irritants can also trigger inflammation, scaly patches and itchy skin.
Contact Dermatitis: This occurs when your skin reacts to an irritant or allergen, causing swollen patches that might blister or ooze.
Dyshidrotic Eczema: Look for small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on your hands, feet, and the sides of your fingers.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: This type affects oily areas like the face, scalp, and chest, leading to red scaly patches of skin.
Nummular Eczema: Easily identified by its distinct coin-shaped lesions and red spots that can crust over and may ooze pus.
Neurodermatitis: A localized form that creates intense itchy, thickened and often leathery patches on the arms, legs, or scalp.
Stasis Dermatitis: Fluid buildup and brownish discoloration develops on the legs of people with poor circulation.

Eczema is a common dermatologic conditions, with up to 30% of daily dermatology visits related to eczema skin issues. Estimates suggest that up to 10% of Americans live with some form of eczema, and approximately 7 million children in the United States are currently affected by the condition. Since each type has similar symptoms, and the types can overlap, it's best to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Not Contagious.. But the Cause Is Unknown

While its exact cause is unknown, eczema is thought to stem from a mix of genetic and environmental factors that may include an overactive immune system. Various treatment options help sufferers to more effectively manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Chronic conditions also affect more than just one's skin; they can impact your “quality of life.” Pain, sleep loss and mental health challenges (like anxiety and depression) can interfere with your daily routine, work, and personal relationships as well as create an unwanted eczema ripple effect.

Eczema is a widespread global condition and atopic dermatitis effects over 200 million people. In the United States alone, over 31.6 million have some form of eczema. Moreover, the skin condition is common in childhood, affecting up to 20% of children and often early on. The good news is that most infants with eczema outgrow it or will see significant improvements as they age. Additionally, eczema affects up to 10% of adults in America and it may not have developed until adulthood.

The skin disease can also affect intimacy, as physical touch may be uncomfortable, so the unpredictable nature of this condition can make planning activities more difficult. So, patience is needed. It’s impact can be felt in professional or academic settings due to a loss of productivity or absenteeism after flare-ups, if the discomfort makes it too difficult to focus. Some adults even select less physically demanding careers to avoid triggers like body sweat. Poorly managed, this skin disease can create frustrating cycles, where cortisol hormone from stress can trigger eczema. Then, the flare-up causes more stress.

Broader effects on one's daily life...

The numbers tell a compelling story about eczema's widespread impact. While particularly common in infants and children, eczema can persist into adulthood or develop later in life. Its increasing prevalence in recent decades points to environmental factors like pollution that go beyond just genetic predisposition. For many, the most challenging symptom of eczema is the relentless itch that may weep clear fluid when scratched and can leave their skin vulnerable to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

The visible nature of eczema may lead to embarrassment, shame, or low self-esteem. Plus, eczema can be especially difficult for young people, who may face bullying or social stigma. The condition can also create an eczema cycle with pain; pain too can trigger eczema and the resulting flare-up can cause more pain. Moreover, the emotional burden of a social or personal relationship can trigger eczema. And, on top of those challenges, the financial cost of eczema may include doctor visits, prescriptions, and specialized skincare products.

Lifestyle Adjustments To Manage Eczema

While there is no cure, you can manage flare-ups by making a few lifestyle adjustments. These changes typically focus on protecting the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and avoiding known triggers. Simple habits like adopting a gentle skincare routine, managing stress, and adjusting your diet can significantly improve your symptoms. While these tips can be very effective, it's always best to work with a healthcare professional to create a personalized eczema management plan, which may include topical or oral medications.

Skincare Routine – Managing sensitive skin requires a thoughtful approach to your daily routine. Wash the skin with lukewarm water instead of hot temperatures that can strip the skin's natural protective oils. Keep your baths and showers brief, and use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer at least twice a day by applying it immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
Trigger Management – Managing flare-ups starts with understanding what triggers them. Culprits include harsh soaps as well as detergents, allergens like dust mites, stress, and hormonal fluctuations. Wear loose-fitting garments made from soft, breathable natural fibers like cotton. Rough fabrics, tight clothes, and wool or polyesters may cause chafing.
Stress Management – Stress and anxiety can worsen flare-ups, creating a frustrating “itch-scratch” cycle. An effective way to break this cycle is by incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can significantly lower stress levels and help minimize flares. Above all, try to avoid scratching.
Dietary Considerations – If you suspect food triggers, an elimination diet under dietary supervision can help identify culprits. Some find that certain foods like dairy, eggs, soy, or gluten can cause or worsen inflammation. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also key to keeping your skin healthy from the inside out, and limit consumption of processed foods.
Medical Treatments – The foundation of eczema care revolves around the "soak and seal" routine that involves taking lukewarm baths for 5-10 minutes, gently patting the skin damp (not dry), applying prescribed topical medications and immediately sealing it with a good moisturizer. Oral medications like steroids and immunosuppressants provide systemic relief.

Additionally, phototherapy treatment, which is controlled exposure to safe wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision, may offer another avenue for reducing both inflammation and itching, particularly for patients who haven't responded well to other oral or topical treatments. Also called light therapy, it may be prescribed, usually by a dermatologist, to treat many types of eczema in both adults and children. Phototherapy suppresses overactive immune cells in the skin that may have triggered the skin inflammation.

Emerging Treatment Options

The biologic landscape continues to evolve with newer treatments changing the game for patients worldwide. Instead of simply masking symptoms, these advanced therapies tackle eczema at its source, delivering life-changing results for those who have struggled with this challenging condition. These targeted therapies provide significant relief from the severe itching, pain, and sleep disruption that have long plagued eczema sufferers. New injectable treatments work by precisely targeting cytokines.

Biologics: Injectable biologic therapies represent a breakthrough treatment option for people with atopic dermatitis. These medications work by targeting specified immune system proteins, particularly cytokines, that drive the inflammatory processes underlying this chronic skin condition. Many people reported newfound confidence, reduced social stigma, and increased participation in activities.
Janus Kinase Inhibitors: JAK inhibitors represent a breakthrough class of medications that target the JAK-STAT inflammatory pathway, offering hope for those struggling with persistent eczema symptoms. What sets these treatments apart is their ability to deliver fast-acting relief when other options have fallen short. These inhibitors suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation.
Research Pipeline: Exciting developments in eczema research are opening doors to more effective treatments that could transform how patients manage their condition. A groundbreaking 2024 study by NIAID researchers resulted in an over-the-counter topical probiotic created from naturally occurring skin bacteria. This innovative option may help to restore the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

During Eczema Awareness Month, the focus throughout October shifts to encouraging early diagnosis and reducing the stigma that often surrounds this visible condition. These initiatives create supportive environments where individuals with eczema can share their experiences, connect through social media, and contribute to fundraising efforts for continued research and advocacy. This community-driven approach helps eczema patients feel understood while advancing the cause of treatment and awareness.

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Eczema extends far beyond simple dry or itchy skin. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that can profoundly affect every aspect of a person's daily life. A deeper understanding has revolutionized the treatment approach by moving away from temporary fixes toward more comprehensive, long-term solutions. It all starts with understanding your triggers, call 800-827-7546 to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or make your next appointment online at one of our sixteen dermatology offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.

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