Eczema is classified as which type of skin condition?

Eczema is classified as an inflammatory skin condition. This classification is based on the nature of eczema, which primarily involves inflammation of the skin characterized by redness, swelling, and itching. The inflamed skin can also lead to additional symptoms such as dryness and cracking.

In the context of skin conditions, inflammation refers to the body's response to irritants, allergens, or stressors, resulting in a complex interplay of immune system activities that manifest as physical symptoms on the skin. This makes eczema distinctly different from conditions classified as infections, which involve the presence of pathogens like bacteria or viruses, or lesions and cysts, which refer specifically to structural abnormalities in the skin.

Understanding eczema as an inflammatory condition helps in recognizing its symptoms and appropriate treatment approaches, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications or topical therapies designed to reduce inflammation and restore the skin barrier.