Eczema symptoms can change depending on the severity and stage of the disease.
Eczema is a chronic recurring skin disorder linked to an overactive immune system.
Common Symptoms
The most common forms of eczema areatopic dermatitisandseborrheicdermatitis(also called dandruff).
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While they do cause symptoms, these forms tend to be more manageable than other types of eczema.
Itching that starts as a response to a trigger is calledcontact dermatitis.
When the skin is scratched, a rash erupts.
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The most common symptoms of eczema include:
Eczema symptoms vary.
A person with the condition can expect to have flare-ups when symptoms get worse.
They will also have remission periods when symptoms get better.
Healthcare providers use a person’s symptoms todiagnose eczema.
However, the symptoms can be similar to those of other skin disorders likepsoriasis.
Eczema can also look different as the condition progresses.
Eczema Symptoms by Stage
There are severalstages of eczema.
The symptoms at each stage are a little bit different and can change as the condition progresses with time.
Rash Locations
Eczema can appear anywhere on the body.
However, rashes are more likely to appear oncertain partsof the body depending on how old someone is.
There are also treatments that can help specific symptoms.
For example, keeping the area moist with lotion can help with dryness.
Hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines can relieve itching.
Prescriptions for topical or oral steroids or antibiotics are usually needed to heal an eczema rash.
There are also medical treatments like phototherapy, immunotherapy, and wet wrap therapy that some people find helpful.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Less Common Symptoms
There are a few less common types of eczema.
Each throw in looks different.
Symptoms of these less common types of eczema can be severe and they are often harder to manage.
Nummular Eczema
Also calleddiscoid eczema, this punch in of eczema causes itchy, coin-shaped spots.
The spots can ooze and become infected.
Open lesions can sometimes lead to permanent scarring.
Nummular eczemais not very common.
Venous Eczema
Venous eczema can also be called gravitational dermatitis orstasis dermatitis.
This usually happens in the lower limbs.
Infection is common with this key in of eczema.
A very serious infection that can happen iscellulitis.
Venous eczema can also lead to skin sores (ulcers) that do not heal.
The blisters can start to move together and cause severe peeling, oozing, and cracking.
This pop in of eczema is more common in men than in women and the cause is unknown.
Scratching the area can cause damage to nerve endings and lead to more intense itching.
Neurodermatitis only affects about 12% of the population.
It affects women more than men and is more common in people aged 30 to 50 years old.
Symptom Complications
People with atopic dermatitis tend to getskin infections often.
Cracks and scaling from eczema expose the skin layers (epidermis and dermis) to germs.
Infections can be especially problematic if you have eczema.
Bacterial Infection
Bacteria such asStaphylococcus aureuscan cause infections likeimpetigo.
It can also make toxins that can triggerallergy symptoms.
Many people with eczema usetopical steroidsto treat the condition.
Viral Infections
Viral infections usually affect certain body parts.
For example, theherpes simplex virus (HSV)tends to appear on the lips.
When it occurs in adults,molluscum contagiosummost often infects the genitals.
Rarely, an infection can occur all over the entire body.
If it spreads to the brain, lungs, or liver, it can also lead to death.
When to Seek Medical Care
Many skin conditions cause an itchy, red rash.
It can be difficult to tell an eczema rash from another kind of rash.
The only way to know for sure is to see a skin expert called adermatologist.
In some cases, you’re gonna wanna be in the hospital to be treated.
Summary
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder.
It’s also called atopic dermatitis.
The condition happens when there is inflammation in the skin linked to an overactive immune system.
The main symptom of eczema is a rash.
The skin can be red, flaky, and itchy.
It can also hurt, weep fluid, or bleed.
It’s important to care for skin affected by eczema.
Trying to keep the skin from getting too dry and avoiding scratching will help prevent infections and scarring.
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