Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon SymptomsLess Common SymptomsComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical CareNext in Eczema GuideCauses and Triggers of Eczema
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Symptoms
Less Common Symptoms
Complications
When to Seek Medical Care
Next in Eczema Guide
Eczemasymptoms include skin dryness, redness on lighter or medium skin tones, or darker discoloration on darker skin tones, itching, crusting, and a scaly rash. 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. The condition can show up on any part of the body, but it’s usually found behind the knees and in the creases of the elbows.
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The most common forms of eczema areatopic dermatitisandseborrheicdermatitis(also called dandruff). While they do cause symptoms, these forms tend to be more manageable than other types of eczema.
Eczema usually starts with an itch that can be a response to atrigger, such as an environmental irritant or stress. Itching that starts as a response to a trigger is calledcontact dermatitis. When the skin is scratched, a rash erupts.
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.
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.
Treatment for Symptoms
Eczema can be treated withhome remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and prescription medications. 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.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
There are a few less common types of eczema. Each type 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 type 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. For comparison, atopic dermatitis affects 15% to 20% of children and 1% to 3% of adults worldwide.Nummular eczema affects only around 2 out of 1,000 people.
Venous Eczema
Venous eczema can also be called gravitational dermatitis orstasis dermatitis. This type of eczema happens when the blood pressure in the veins causes fluid to leak out of the skin. This usually happens in the lower limbs.
Infection is common with this type of eczema. A very serious infection that can happen iscellulitis. Venous eczema can also lead to skin sores (ulcers) that do not heal.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidroticeczemacauses tiny, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet. The blisters can start to move together and cause severe peeling, oozing, and cracking.
This type of eczema is more common in men than in women and the cause is unknown.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis causes intense itching, often on the feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, or scalp. Scratching the area can cause damage to nerve endings and lead to more intense itching. This type of eczema is usually limited to one or two patches of skin and requires treatment to resolve.
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 get skin infections often. They are more likely to get infections because eczema makes it harder for the skin to be a good barrier.
Cracks and scaling from eczema expose the skin layers (epidermis and dermis) to germs. Scratching causes breaks in the skin that let bacteria, viruses, and fungi in, often leading to infection.
Infections can be especially problematic if you have eczema. Atopic dermatitis is thought to be linked toreduced immune function, which means the body is less able to fight off germs.
Research has also shown that genetic defects in the body’s first-line defense against infection (innate immune system) might be related to eczema.
Bacterial Infection
Bacteria such asStaphylococcus aureuscan cause infections likeimpetigo. It can also make toxins that can triggerallergy symptoms.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections, such astinea corporis(ringworm) andtinea capitis(a scalp infection), are also common in people with atopic dermatitis.
Many people with eczema usetopical steroidsto treat the condition. However, these medications locally suppress the immune system, which gives common fungi a chance to take hold and spread.
The risk offungal infectionscan also be related to proteins calledcytokines, which can trigger an immune response that leaves the body less able to defend itself against germs.
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. For example,eczema herpeticumcan develop across a large plaque of eczema where the skin is broken, allowing the virus to spread. If left untreated, it could spread across the body.Eczema herpeticum can lead to permanent scarring, vision damage, and organ failure. If it spreads to the brain, lungs, or liver, it can also lead to death.
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.
If you have already been diagnosed with eczema, you still need to see a provider to help manage your condition.
There are also some signs that you should always tell your provider about, such as:
You should also know the signs of a bacterial infection, including:
When to Call 911Call 911 or seek emergency care if you have symptoms of cellulitis:Hot, red, and swollen areas of skin that are spreading fastHigh fever or chillsNausea and vomitingIncreasing painNumbness on the swollen tissuesBlistering of the affected skinCellulitis usually requires five to 14 days ofantibiotic therapy. In some cases, you need to be in the hospital to be treated.
When to Call 911
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you have symptoms of cellulitis:Hot, red, and swollen areas of skin that are spreading fastHigh fever or chillsNausea and vomitingIncreasing painNumbness on the swollen tissuesBlistering of the affected skinCellulitis usually requires five to 14 days ofantibiotic therapy. In some cases, you need to be in the hospital to be treated.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you have symptoms of cellulitis:
Cellulitis usually requires five to 14 days ofantibiotic therapy. In some cases, you need to 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 skinlinked 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.
18 Sources
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