Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. The condition occurs in 10 to 30 percent of children and 2 to 10 percent of adults in the United States. People with eczema have dry, itchy skin that can weep clear fluid when scratched. The disease also can make people more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections. Eczema is the strongest risk factor for the development of food allergy. Severe forms of eczema can substantially affect quality of life. The causes of the condition remain unclear.

NIAID conducts and supports basic research in allergy and immunology that increases our understanding of how the immune system and the environment each contribute to the development of eczema and its complications. NIAID also funds person-centered research to explore the genetic determinants of eczema and evaluate new strategies to prevent and treat the disease.

Highlights

Light pink coccobacillus (short oval) shaped bacteria of various sizes on a dark teal background. Each bacterium consists of two conjoined short ovals.
Colorized electron micrograph of Roseomonas mucosa bacteria. Image captured by Emily Fitzmeyer and Monica Paneru at Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana.
Credit
NIAID

NIAID Discovery Leads to Novel Probiotic for Eczema

NIAID research has led to the availability of a new over-the-counter topical eczema probiotic. The probiotic is based on the discovery that bacteria present on healthy skin called Roseomonas mucosa can safely relieve eczema symptoms in adults and children.

Scanning electron microscopy of Staphylococcus epidermidis cluster embedded in exopolysaccharide matrix. Credit: NIAID

Scanning electron microscopy of Staphylococcus epidermidis cluster embedded in exopolysaccharide matrix.

Credit
NIAID

Common Skin Bacteria Found Beneficial Against Drying, Aging

Research findings showed that S. epidermidis produces enzymes, known as sphingomyelinase, that help the bacteria acquire nutrients and colonize the skin. But the bacterial enzymes also help the skin produce ceramides, which are important components of the outer skin layers that prevent drying and aging of the skin. Low ceramide levels contribute to many skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema.

NIAID Researchers Identify Link Between Common Chemicals and Eczema

NIAID scientists have found an association between widely used chemicals called diisocyanates and atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease commonly known as eczema.

Volunteer for Clinical Trials

NIAID clinical research increases our understanding of how the immune system contributes to the development of atopic dermatitis, explores the genetic determinants of eczema, and evaluates new strategies to prevent and treat the disease.

Read more about eczema studies that are currently seeking volunteers

Related Public Health and Government Information

To learn about different types of eczema and current treatment strategies, visit the National Library of Medicine page on eczema.

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