4 Eczema Facts You May Not Have Known

Posted by

On March 30, 2026

Heather was compensated for her participation.

For comedian and podcaster Heather McMahan, eczema has never been something she could predict – or plan around. Flare-ups can appear without warning, sometimes at the most inconvenient moments, and in places that are hard to ignore.

Heather is far from alone in her experience with eczema. In the U.S., 3-4 million children ages 2-11 and more than 8 million people aged 12 years and older live with atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema. While many people recognize the condition by its visible symptoms – including rashes, inflammation and dry and flaky skin that can cause intense itching and discomfort – eczema can present different from person to person and change over time.

Despite how common AD is, researchers haven’t pinpointed exactly why some people develop the condition beyond a complex interaction between genetics and environmental triggers, according to the National Eczema Association. What dermatologists do know is that eczema’s variability is one of the reasons it can be so challenging to manage.

To better understand what that variability can look like in real life, we spoke with Heather about her experience navigating eczema, including how it shows up on her body, what can trigger flare-ups and how she works with her dermatologist to address them.

Where Eczema Appears on Adults

For Heather, eczema has been a lifelong journey – but one that has evolved over time. One of the biggest differences she’s noticed between childhood and adulthood is where flare-ups tend to appear.

In infants and children, eczema often shows up on the cheeks, scalp and trunk. In adults, flare-ups are more likely to appear on the neck, inside elbows, behind knees and specific areas of the face, according to the American Academy of Dermatology and Mayo Clinic.

“Being in the spotlight, there’s always pressure to look your best, but eczema doesn’t care if you are about to walk on stage or be on television,” said Heather. “There have been times before a show when a flare popped up on my face or neck, and I just had to roll with it.”

Heather says she commonly experiences flare-ups on the back of her legs, her face and the creases of her elbows. “I’ve had to learn not to hide it or feel embarrassed,” she shared. “It’s just part of who I am.”

What Causes an Eczema Trigger

One of the most challenging aspects of eczema is that triggers can vary widely – not only from person to person, but also over time.

Heather says her triggers have shifted as she’s gotten older, which can make flare-ups feel unpredictable. That’s one reason she stresses the importance of seeking a knowledgeable dermatologist who can diagnose eczema and create an individualized treatment plan.

“When I was younger, I noticed certain fabrics or detergents would set things off,” she said. “These days, it’s more stress and weather changes. I’ll think I have it all figured out, and then winter hits – or I’m traveling a lot – and my eczema will flare up.”

She added, “Eczema can really keep you guessing.”

Other potential triggers may include fragrance, cigarette smoke, stress, strong skincare products and environmental interferences like mold and pollen, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

What Eczema Can Look Like on Different Skin Tones

Eczema does not look the same on everyone, and skin tone can influence how flare-ups appear.

Symptoms may include red or inflamed rashes, scaly spots, fluid-filled blisters or skin that becomes thicker and leathery over time. Because eczema can present differently, it’s important for patients to work closely with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and management.

Heather said she’s learned to take a proactive approach by tracking her triggers, simplifying her makeup routine and maintaining open conversations with her dermatologist.

“Communication with your healthcare provider can be key,” Heather said. “I’ve learned to speak up when something’s not working, rather than just powering through a flare.”

Exploring Treatment Options with a Dermatologist

Because eczema’s symptoms and flare-ups can vary so widely, there is no one treatment that works for everyone. Dermatologists can help diagnose the specific type of eczema a patient has and develop a personalized treatment plan based on their symptoms and needs.

For Heather, that plan includes OPZELURA^® (ruxolitinib) cream, a non-steroidal, twice-daily prescription cream. OPZELURA is FDA-approved for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate eczema in certain people 2 years and older whose disease is not well-controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended.

The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic biologics, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended. It is not known if OPZELURA is safe and effective in children less than 2 years of age with atopic dermatitis.

OPZELURA is not for everyone. It can cause side effects, including serious side effects. See below for IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION including Boxed Warning for Serious Infections, Increased Risk of Death, Lymphoma and other Cancers, Major Cardiovascular Events and Blood Clots.

Heather says she was interested in OPZELURA because it’s a steroid-free option that her dermatologist said could be used on its own and in most sensitive areas.

“I’ve tried different eczema treatments over the years, including topical steroids, and nothing felt like the right option for me,” she said. “When my dermatologist mentioned OPZELURA, I decided to give it a try.”

Once Heather started noticing her skin begin to clear with OPZELURA, she was grateful. “It’s great to know that if I have a flare-up, I can use OPZELURA to help manage my symptoms. I have something to grab the minute I feel a flare-up coming on.”

To hear more inspiring stories of people living with mild to moderate eczema and how they found relief, visit MyMomentsOfClarity.com.

Keep reading below for Important Safety Information.

Heather was compensated for her participation.

Editor’s Note: This article was created in partnership with Incyte; all patient experiences and quotes reflect personal opinions.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

Indication and Usage

OPZELURA is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended.

The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic biologics, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended.

It is not known if OPZELURA is safe and effective in children less than 2 years of age with atopic dermatitis.

Important Safety Information

OPZELURA is for use on the skin only. Do not use OPZELURA in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious Infections: OPZELURA contains ruxolitinib. Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors are medicines that affect your immune system. JAK inhibitors can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious infections while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have been hospitalized or died from these infections. Some people have had serious infections of their lungs while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with OPZELURA.

OPZELURA should not be used in people with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. You should not start using OPZELURA if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at a higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster) while using OPZELURA.

Increased risk of death due to any reason (all causes): Increased risk of death has happened in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors by mouth.

Cancer and immune system problems: OPZELURA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers have happened in people taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors by mouth. People taking JAK inhibitors by mouth have a higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if they are a current or past smoker. Some people have had skin cancers while using OPZELURA. Your healthcare provider will regularly check your skin during your treatment with OPZELURA. Limit the amount of time you spend in the sunlight. Wear protective clothing when you are in the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events: Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death have happened in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors by mouth, especially in current or past smokers.

Blood clots: Blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking OPZELURA. This may be life-threatening. Blood clots in the vein of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age and older and with at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors by mouth.

Low blood cell counts: OPZELURA may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low red blood cell counts (anemia), and low white blood cell counts (neutropenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia). Your healthcare provider may do a blood test to check your blood cell counts during your treatment with OPZELURA and may stop your treatment if signs or symptoms of low blood cell counts happen.

Cholesterol increases: Cholesterol increase has happened in people when ruxolitinib is taken by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides.

Before starting OPZELURA, tell your healthcare provider if you:

have an infection, are being treated for one, or have had an infection that does not go away or keeps coming back
have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system
have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
have had shingles (herpes zoster)
have or have had hepatitis B or C
live, have lived in, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections. These infections may happen or become more severe if you use OPZELURA. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.
think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as: fever, sweating, or chills, muscle aches, cough or shortness of breath, blood in your phlegm, weight loss, warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual, feeling very tired.
have ever had any type of cancer, or are a current or past smoker
have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or a stroke
have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past
have or have had low white or red blood cell counts
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OPZELURA will harm your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for individuals who use OPZELURA during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. If you become exposed to OPZELURA during pregnancy, you and your healthcare provider should report exposure to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463 or www.opzelura.pregnancy.incyte.com.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPZELURA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for about 4 weeks after the last dose.

After starting OPZELURA:

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. OPZELURA can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infections that you have.
Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack, blood clot, or stroke while using OPZELURA, including:
- discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
- severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
- pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- breaking out in a cold sweat
- nausea or vomiting
- feeling lightheaded
- weakness in one part or on one side of your body
- slurred speech
- swelling, pain, or tenderness in one or both legs
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop or have worsening of any symptoms of low blood cell counts, such as: unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, shortness of breath, or fever.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of OPZELURA in people treated for atopic dermatitis include: common cold (nasopharyngitis), diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) count or decrease in a type of white blood cell (neutropenia) count, hives, inflamed hair pores (folliculitis), swelling of the tonsils (tonsillitis), and runny nose (rhinorrhea), upper respiratory tract infection, COVID-19, fever, and pain, irritation, discomfort, or itching at the application site.

These are not all of the possible side effects of OPZELURA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463.

Please see the Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for OPZELURA.

OPZELURA, Incyte and the Incyte logo are registered trademarks of Incyte.