Test Your Knowledge

The signs and symptoms of eczema vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe. In most cases, eczema begins as intense itching, followed by a patchy rash that is red, inflamed, dry and scaly. The rash most often appears on the face, arms and legs, and particularly affects the creases of the hands and feet. The rash often itches or burns and may ooze or become crusty when scratched.

Rashes in children under age 2 tend to begin on the cheeks, elbows and knees. In adults, rashes are more likely to begin on the inside surfaces of knees and elbows. Adults are more likely than children to have patches that appear brownish, scaly and thickened. Some people with eczema develop red or clear fluid-filled bumps that look bubbly. Painful cracking also may occur.

In some cases, eczema may cause other associated conditions. These may include:

• Infection. Affects the body through open sores and cracks associated with eczema. Infections associated with eczema include:
  
  
• • Impetigo. A form of infection caused by staphylococci bacteria. It is often associated with atopic dermatitis.
    
    
  • Cellulitis. Bacterial infection of tissues beneath the skin. Cellulitis manifests as red streaks of skin that are swollen, tender and warm to the touch. It often spreads and has indistinct margins. Cellulitis occurs when a patient’s immune system has been compromised, making it a potentially life-threatening condition that demands prompt medical attention.
    
    
• Lichen simplex chronicus. A toughening of the skin that manifests as small skin patches that become thickened and leathery with a dull red to brown color. It is caused by repeated scratching of the skin.

Patients should consult a physician if they experience any of the following in relation to their eczema:

• Discomfort that causes the patient to lose sleep or become distracted from daily routines
  
  
• Extremely painful skin
  
  
• Indications that the skin may be infected
  
  
• Presence of a fever
  
  
• Failure to see improvement in eczema despite self-care measures