Eczema, Atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder that usually appears in babies or very young children. Eczema can persist until adolescence or adulthood. Of children who have eczema, 65 percent will show signs of eczema in the first year of life and 90 percent will show signs of eczema within the first 5 years. Eczema causes the skin to itch, turn red, and flake. Different triggers can make eczema worse, including environmental stress, allergies, and sweating. Eczema is associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.