Eczema, an irritating skin condition, affects 10% of infants and 3% of adults. Most children grow out of it, but up to 60% can experience flare-ups throughout adulthood. This article will describe eczema skin symptoms so you can diagnose first-time infections and recognize flare-ups and trigger factors.
Instructions
1. Notice increased itching and scratching on face, knees, elbows, hands or feet. Itching often occurs before any rash presents.
2. Identify a rash in the itchy area, which is the most common eczema skin symptom. Eczema often changes the pigment of the affected area: fair-skinned people may see a reddish rash become brown; on dark-skinned people the area may become lighter or darker. The skin under the rash usually becomes dry, thick and scaly.
3. Watch for a rash that worsens into blisters that, if left untreated, will ooze and crust over. Many dermatology and medical websites post photographs of eczema patients' rashes and blisters for comparison with your own skin.
4. Search for a history of allergies and/or asthma in the family because eczema often accompanies these conditions.
5. Recognize trigger situations that can cause recurring flare ups of eczema skin symptoms. Reaching a body temperature that is too hot or too cold, contact with a new soap or detergent, exposure to pet dander, fighting a cold or chest congestion and experiencing stress can all predispose an eczema sufferer to another outbreak.
6. See a physician or dermatologist for an official diagnosis.
Tags: eczema skin, eczema skin symptoms, skin symptoms