Symptoms - Atopic eczema
by Admin
Posted on 09-03-2023 08:43 PM
Medically reviewed
eczema is not a specific disease, but rather a term that describes a group of inflammatory skin conditions that produce rash-like symptoms, such as red, itchy patches on the skin. It's also known as dermatitis (skin inflammation), atopic eczema ("atopic" means a genetic tendency toward allergic hypersensitivity), or simply atopic dermatitis. In fact, the word "eczema" is often used interchangeably with "atopic dermatitis,” though clinically speaking, atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
Atopic dermatitis is the most severe and chronic (long-lasting) form of eczema. It's characterized by inflamed skin that may crack and release a clear fluid when scratched (an effect known as weeping).
Eczema is not a single health condition but a recognizable reaction pattern seen in a number of skin diseases. Atopic dermatitis , a common cause of eczema , is more prevalent in those with asthma and hay fever. Eczema signs and symptoms include tiny blisters (vesicles) that can weep and ooze, eventually producing crusted, thickened plaques of skin. It is almost always quite itchy. It is important to distinguish the different causes of eczema because effective treatments often differ. If eczema is produced by skin exposure to a specific substance, it can be helpful to avoid it. Keeping the skin healthy and moisturized can prevent certain kinds of eczema.
Signs of an infection
Seek care by a dermatologist or other healthcare provider if symptoms of eczema arise and persist.
Seek medical assistance if you notice any signs of skin infection including redness, raised skin that looks like boils, drainage, increased itchiness and/or pain.
Occasionally, areas of skin affected by atopic eczema can become infected. Signs of an infection can include: your eczema getting a lot worse fluid oozing from the skin a yellow crust on the skin surface or small yellowish-white spots appearing in the eczema the skin becoming swollen and sore feeling hot and shivery and generally feeling unwell see a doctor as soon as possible if you think your or your child's skin may have become infected. Read more about infections and other complications of atopic eczema page last reviewed: 05 december 2019 next review due: 05 december 2022.
The most common type of eczema involves areas of red, dry, itchy skin, most commonly found in the creases of your elbows, behind your knees and on your wrists and ankles. These symptoms can affect both adults and children. Children with atopic eczema may have weeping, crusted dermatitis on the face and neck. In discoid (nummular) eczema, you have coin-shaped itchy patches on your arms, legs, chest or back. Check your symptoms — use the rashes and skin problems symptom checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.