Eczema symptoms include itchy skin, red and inflamed rash, scabs, and thickened skin. Scratching can worsen symptoms and lead to infection. Symptoms vary depending on the type of eczema and can occur anywhere on the body. Treatment may include antibiotics for infections.
An itchy patch of skin is often the initial symptom of eczema. The location and size of this area can vary, although the folds of the joints are usually affected in adults. A red, inflamed, warm rash often appears soon after the itch begins. Other symptoms of eczema include sores, scabs and thickened skin. Scratching the area can lead to more serious symptoms and even lead to an infection.
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 more common variants, usually affects the joint creases, including the backs of the knees and elbows. In children, the face and neck are also commonly affected. Other types, such as allergic eczema, can occur anywhere on the body because the condition is a result of contact with a particular substance. Itching can range from barely noticeable to intense; it can affect sleep patterns in the worst cases.
One of the most common symptoms of eczema is a rash. This often appears as an area of red skin that may be inflamed. Some patients find that the skin is also warm to the touch. A rash associated with eczema typically occurs over a long period of time and doesn’t seem to heal naturally. Along with a rash, the patient may also find that the skin becomes cracked and dry. Scaly 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 present.
Scratching can bring temporary relief from eczema symptoms. However, this can make symptoms worse and lead to skin damage and bleeding. The result can be sores and crusty skin that take a long time to heal. In the worst cases, the scratch can lead to a skin infection.
There are a number of other potential eczema symptoms. The skin in the affected area, for example, may become thickened. This is often the result of excessive scratching. If the skin becomes infected, small blisters may start to appear and fluid may leak from the 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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