Common SKIN CONCERNS, solved

Eczema is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause dry, itchy skin

- MARYGRACE TAYLOR

EVEN WHEN YOU DO ALL THE RIGHT THINGS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY, rashes, bumps, and redness happen. These are your body's way of telling you something is going on.

ECZEMA

WHAT IT IS: The most common is atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory skin disease caused by an overactive immune system response. AD usually starts in childhood, and while some people outgrow it, for others it can stick around.

WHY IT HAPPENS: AD occurs when the skin's protective barrier doesn't function properly, which may be due to genetics or environmental factors. "When the skin's natural barrier is disrupted there is increased moisture loss, which can contribute to dryness and inflammation," says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Intensely dry, itchy patches that may appear red, hard, or thickened. Eczema can show up anywhere, but "it often develops inside the elbows, behind the knees, or on the face," says Dr. Garshick.

HOW TO DEAL: "Moisturize twice per day with a thick cream or ointment, which will trap moisture," Dr. Garshick says. Your dermatologist might recommend an antiinflammatory cream to combat itching and irritation. Avoiding triggers helps too: Harsh soaps, fragrances, and scratchy fabrics are common culprits.

PSORIASIS