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What are the Symptoms of Eczema?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

An area of itchy skin is often the initial symptom of eczema. The location and size of this area can vary, although in adults the folds of the joints are usually affected. A red, inflamed and hot rash often appears soon after the itching begins. Other symptoms of eczema include sores, crusts, and thickened skin. Scratching the area can lead to more severe symptoms and even result in an infection.

The symptoms of eczema depend on the type, but most variations of the condition start with an itchy area of skin. Atopic eczema, which is one of the most common variants, usually affects joint folds including the back of the knees and elbows. In children, the face and neck are also commonly affected. Other types, such as allergic eczema, can occur on any part of the body because the condition is a result of contact with a particular substance. Itching can range from almost unnoticeable to intense; it may affect sleep patterns in the worst cases.

Creams can be used to treat eczema.
Creams can be used to treat eczema.

One of the most common symptoms of eczema is a rash. This often appears as an area of red skin which may be inflamed. Some patients find that the skin also feels hot to the touch. A rash associated with eczema typically occurs over an extended period of time and will not appear to heal naturally. Along with a rash, the patient may also find that the skin becomes cracked and dry. Flaky skin can also be common and the area may be described as “scaly.” The appearance and severity of the rash tends to depend on the type of eczema that is present.

Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become itchy, red, and dry.
Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become itchy, red, and dry.

Scratching may bring temporary relief from the symptoms of eczema. This can make the symptoms worse, however, and lead to skin damage and bleeding. The result can be sores and crusty skin which take a long time to heal. In the worst cases, scratching can result in an infection to the skin.

There are a number of other potential symptoms of eczema. The skin of the affected area, for example, may become thickened. This is often the result of excessive scratching. If the skin becomes infected, small blisters can begin to appear and fluid may weep from sores. When the skin weeps, it leaves behind a lot of protein; this results in the formation of areas of crust. In many cases, an infection will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics

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Discussion Comments

donasmrs

@ankara-- Actually, if someone doesn't scratch the skin affected by eczema, it won't develop into crusts and bleeding blisters. Eczema is very itchy, this is the main eczema symptom and most people can't resist scratching. That's why the blisters show up and when they heal, the skin looks thick and crusty. It's important not to scratch skin with eczema. If the skin is not clean and if it's scratched, it can easily get infected which will make things much worse.

bluedolphin

@ddljohn-- Like the article said, the symptoms depend on the type of eczema and there are more than five types of eczema. So it's best to see a dermatologist if you're not sure. Sometimes eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can look very similar.

For the most part though, ear eczema looks like regular eczema. Sometimes, eczema on the face extends to the ears and other times, eczema is only on the ears. The symptoms are dryness, redness, irritation and flaking. Eczema can also cause thick, crusty skin and in some cases it can drain. My son had allergic ear eczema as a child and at one point, the sores were draining! It was horrible.

If you're suspecting eczema, you need to see your doctor right away.

ddljohn

Does ear eczema cause the same symptoms as regular skin eczema? How can I tell if I have eczema on my ears?

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    • Creams can be used to treat eczema.
      By: carroteater
      Creams can be used to treat eczema.
    • Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become itchy, red, and dry.
      By: quayside
      Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become itchy, red, and dry.