Eczema Symptoms and Signs
Almost all patients with eczema complain of itching. Since the appearance of most types of eczema is similar, the distribution of the eruption can be of great help in distinguishing one type from another.
What is eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin where patches of skin become rough and inflamed, often producing tiny fluid-filled bumps that can leak clear fluid. Eczema can occur at any age and is often chronic. The condition has a tendency to periodically worsen and then subside. Eczema is a general term that includes many different types of skin problems. Eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis.
Is eczema contagious?
The most common form of eczema (dermatitis) is atopic dermatitis and is not contagious. However, if the raw, irritated skin of eczema becomes infected, the infecting agent may be contagious. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but because it often occurs in family members, it is felt that a person's inherited genes may play a role in its development.
When does eczema appear? How will I know if I have eczema?
Some forms of atopic dermatitis start early in life (before 2 years of age) while others begin after 20 years of age. Rough, inflamed patches of skin may suggest eczema, particularly if the skin lesions intensify and then subside. The following criteria help physicians diagnose the disease:
- Itchiness
- Skin changes that very with age
- Chronic and relapsing skin changes
- Xerosis (dry skin)
- Elevated immunoglobulin E activity
- History of asthma or hay fever
- History of close relatives with eczema
- Symptom onset younger than 2 years of age
No specific test or blood markers exist for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis so the diagnosis is made by skin's appearance.
SLIDESHOW
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Causes, Symptoms, Treatment See Slideshow
How does eczema spread?
Eczema does not spread from person to person. However, it can spread to various parts of the body (for example, the face, cheeks, and chin [of infants] and the neck, wrist, knees, and elbows [of adults]). Scratching the skin can make eczema worse.
Is there a cure for eczema?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for atopic dermatitis. Topical steroids along with skin moisturization currently are the major treatments for eczema. Severe eczema treatment usually includes several drugs and is carefully monitored by a dermatologist.
When should someone seek medical care for eczema?
Eczema is usually not considered a medical emergency. People with eczema should contact a doctor if itching is interfering with daily activities and/or sleep, the crusting and oozing is increasing, the rash is becoming more widespread on the body, and/or painful cracks develop in the skin of the extremities. If areas of eczema produce pus and/or red streaks are extending from the eczema skin lesions, and/or there is fever, medical care should be sought immediately as a secondary infection may be present.
Latest Skin News
Daily Health News
More Health News »Trending on MedicineNet
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 5/24/2019
References
"Eczema." National Eczema Association. <http://nationaleczema.org/eczema/>.
Kim, Brian S. "Atopic Dermatitis Workup." Medscape.com. Mar. 13, 2019. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049085-workup>.
Kim, Brian S. "Atopic Dermatitis Workup." Medscape.com. Mar. 13, 2019. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049085-workup>.
Complete List
Top Is Eczema Contagious Related Articles
Asthma Overview
Asthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.
Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema.
Diprolene (Betamethasone Dipropionate) vs. Topicor
Diprolene (betamethasone dipropionate) vs. Topicort (desoximetasone) are corticosteroids used to relieve itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis.
Dry Skin
Dry skin (xeroderma) may be caused by external factors, like cold temperatures, low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain medications, or internal factors, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, psoriasis, or Sjogren's syndrome. Symptoms and signs of dry skin include itching and red, cracked or flaky skin. The main treatment for dry skin is frequent, daily lubrication of the skin.Eczema Slideshow
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a common allergic skin condition. Get the latest information on causes of eczema and skin rash symptoms. Find treatments for eczema as well as treatments for dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and more.
Eczema Facts
Eczema refers to skin inflammation. There are many different types of eczema that produce symptoms and signs that range from oozing blisters to crusty plaques of skin. Treatment varies depending upon the type of eczema the person has.
Pictures of Eczema
A particular type of inflammatory reaction of the skin in which there are typically vesicles (tiny blister-like raised areas) in the first stage followed by erythema (reddening), edema (swelling), papules (bumps), and crusting of the skin followed, finally, by lichenification (thickening) and scaling of the skin. See a picture of Eczema and learn more about the health topic.
Eczema Quiz
Does dry, itchy, flaky, scaly, red, inflamed skin sound familiar to you? Take the Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Quiz to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this common skin condition.fluticasone propionate-topical
Fluticasone propionate (Cutivate) is a corticosteroid prescribed to treat symptoms such as itching, dryness, scaling, inflammation, and redness associated with skin conditions like allergic reactions, eczema, and insect or bug bites. Side effects, drug interactions, storage, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
gentamicin-topical
Topical gentamicin (Garamycin has been discontinued) is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic prescribed to treat a variety of skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria (for example, impetigo, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns, cuts, or wounds).
Easy Skin Care Tips for Guys
Guys, want some great skin care tips? Looking good doesn’t have to take hours. Learn how to shave without razor bumps, solutions for dry and oily skin, and the difference between soap and cleanser. Find out how to avoid premature aging and get tips for ways to fight skin problems.
Hay Fever
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.hydrocortisone valerate
Hydrocortisone valerate is a corticosteroid that is used topically (on the skin) for the relief of inflammation and itching caused by a variety of skin conditions (for example, insect bites, eczema, and allergic reactions). Side effects include dryness, irritation, itching, and burning at the site of application. Drug interactions, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Low FODMAP Diet List of Foods to Eat and Avoid
FODMAPs are foods that contain sugar alcohols and short chain carbohydrates. The gut can't digest them very well. There are "low" FODMAP foods and "high" FODMAP foods. Foods high in FODMAPs lay in the gut and ferment, which causes symptoms of:
- Excessive gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Some people with digestive diseases and disorders, for example, IBS, microscopic colitis, IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and other functional bowel disorders often are placed on a low FODMAP diet to decrease the amount of high FODMAPs foods in the diet, which create uncomfortable symptoms.
pramoxine and benzyl alcohol
Pramoxine (Itch-X, PramaGel Anti-Itch and others) is a topical anesthetic prescribed for the temporarily relief of pain and itching associated with:
- Burns
- Rashes
- Sunburn
- Eczema
- Hives
- Cold
- Sores
- Insect bites
- Poison ivy
- Poison sumac
- Vaginal itching
- Hemorrhoids
In some patients pramoxine may act as a "sensitizer" and cause side effects of:
- Worsening of the skin condition
- Burning or stinging of the skin
Drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to using this drug.
pramoxine-hydrocortisone-lotion
Topical hydrocortisone and pramoxine (Epifoam, Pramosone, Proctofoam HC, Procort, Analpram HC) is a prescription medication used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions; and to relieve the pain, inflammation, and burning caused by hemorrhoids. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be provided prior to using any drug or supplement.prednisolone
Prednisolone (Flo-Pred, Pediapred, Orapred, Orapred ODT) is a corticosteroid prescribed to achieve prompt suppression of inflammation due to inflammatory and allergic conditions (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, hay fever, types of dermatitis, and many others. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.Protopic Ointment acrolimus vs Triamcinolone
Protopic ointment (acrolimus) and triamcinolone are used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Triamcinolone is also used to relieve skin inflammation, itching, dryness, and redness caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions and psoriasis. Protopic ointment is an immunosuppressive and triamcinolone is a corticosteroid.
Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
CONTINUE SCROLLING FOR RELATED SLIDESHOW
Patient Comments
Please describe your experience with eczema.
Post View 3 CommentsWhat prompted you to seek medical care for eczema?
Post