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Symptoms & Information on Eczema

Eczema is a group of skin conditions that causes the skin to become red, itchy and sometimes develop small, fluid-filled bumps that are moist. Eczema isn't contagious, but most people with eczema have relatives with the condition. According to Kids Health, about one in 10 people in the world will have eczema.

  1. Symptoms

    • People with eczema have red, itchy, irritated, flaky and blistered skin. The itchy patches normally appear where the elbow bends, on the backs of the knees, ankles, wrists, the face, neck and upper chest. The skin can also feel leathery if the person with eczema scratches it too much. The symptoms can vary a bit from person to person.

    Causes

    • Irritant contact dermatitis, a type of eczema, develops after a lot of exposure to a mild irritant such as a detergent or little exposure to a strong irritant such as battery acid. Another type, allergic contact dermatitis, develops when an allergen touches the skin. The causes of the other types of eczema is not as clear-cut. Atopic dermatitis develops when a lot of elements combine. These elements include inheriting certain genes and having an overactive immune system.

    Complications

    • One of the complications that can result from eczema is neurodermatitis, a condition in which a patch of skin that has been scratched a lot becomes thick and leathery. Scratching can also lead to permanent scars or changes in skin color. A second complication is a skin infection. An infection occurs when someone scratches his skin, causing it to break with open sores and fissures that can become infected. A third complication is an eye complication. Symptoms of this include itching around the eyelids, eye watering and inflammation of the eyelid.

    Prevention

    • While there is no cure for eczema, there are things you can do to prevent a flareup. First, for face eczema, gently wash it with a nondrying facial cleanser or soap substitute, use a facial moisturizer that says noncomedogenic/oil-free, and apply only hypoallergenic makeup and sunscreens. Secondly, avoid using hot water because it can dry out your skin. Instead, take short, warm showers. Thirdly, when your skin starts to itch, don't scratch it. Scratching can break the skin and bacteria can get in, causing an infection.

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