I was diagnosed with it when I was younger. I always had pretty mild eczema (just a couple dry patches here and there), until starting use of topical steroids, which then over time caused my skin to get worse, until I went through Topical Steroid Withdrawal. However, not sure about retirement as I'm only in my 30s and was diagnosed as a kid, so not sure if that helps! -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)