This image displays dry skin with prominent hair follicles and inflamed areas of skin typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a person with darker skin. This image displays multiple small, dark brown bumps typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in a person with darker skin. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) typically involves the folds of the elbows and knees (flexures) in children. This image displays atopic dermatitis (eczema) in the body folds of the back of the legs coupled with staph bacteria. In atopic dermatitis (eczema), the rash often is seen as scaly bumps over each hair follicle. Eczema in people with darker skin can cause lighter skin areas (hypopigmentation) as seen on the arms of this patient. Inflammation around the hair follicles, giving a dotted appearance, is typical to follicular eczema. This image displays atopic dermatitis involving the cheeks and neck. Children with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often have very dry skin and prominent skin folds just below the eyes. This image displays scratched skin lesions of a severe case of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in a young child. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) frequently affects the face in children. Look for red or pink scaling areas and dry-appearing skin. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) that has been present for an extended period of time begins to looks thickened and darker. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) frequently affects skin folds, such as the front of the ankles. This image displays atopic dermatitis (eczema) on the back of the legs with erosions from scratching. This image displays severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a child's eyelids. Red or pink, scaling lesions and dry-appearing skin are typical in atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in darker-skinned children is often accentuated around hair follicles, giving a bumpy appearance.
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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): This image displays dry skin with prominent hair follicles and inflamed areas of skin typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a person with darker skin. Divider line
This image displays dry skin with prominent hair follicles and inflamed areas of skin typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a person with darker skin.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
Topical or oral (systemic) medications can include:
  • Topical steroid creams or ointments to treat areas of limited (localized) eczema. Use lower-strength steroids on the face and medium-to-high-strength steroids on the trunk and on the arms and legs.
  • Be careful when using topical steroids in skin folds and blocked (occluded) areas because of the risk of thinning of the skin (atrophy).
  • Medications that allow you to reduce steroid exposure (steroid-sparing agents), such as topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, may be used for milder disease or for treating sensitive areas, such as the face. These medications are not approved for use with children under the age of 2. These medications have a warning that their use may have a small risk of causing cancer. 
  • Oral antihistamines to reduce itching.
  • For more extensive disease, light therapy may be recommended. People whose condition does not improve with other treatments may take oral medications (such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus) to hold back (suppress) the immune system, preventing allergic reactions.
  • If an infection in the affected area (superimposed infection) may be present, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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