Best skin health: Eczema, a medical term for sensitive skin

Eczema is general term for rash like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. As many as 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. It occurs in adults and children, but most often appears on babies. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition. Although the exact cause is unknown, eczema is not contagious. Eczema can't be cured, but it can be managed, and you can learn to avoid the things that trigger it.