Eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Long-term irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and have a leather-like texture.
Eczema is most common in infants. The condition tends to run in families.
People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
The following can make eczema symptoms worse:
Dry skin
Exposure to environmental irritants
Exposure to water
Stress
Temperature changes
Symptoms
Blisters with oozing and crusting
Dry, leathery skin areas
Ear discharge or bleeding
Intense itching
Rash
In children younger than age 2, skin lesions begin on the cheeks, elbows, or knees
In adults, the rash is more commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows
Raw areas of the skin from scratching
Skin coloring changes -- more or less coloring than the normal skin tone (See: Skin abnormally dark or light)
Skin redness or inflammation around the blisters
Signs and tests
Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and on personal and family history. The health care provider should examine the lesions to rule out other possible causes. A skin lesion biopsy may be performed, but is not always required to make the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment can vary depending on the appearance (stage) of the lesions. "Weeping" lesions, dry scaly lesions, or chronic dry, thickened lesions are each treated differently.
Avoid anything that makes your symptoms worse. This may include food allergens and irritants such as wool and lanolin.
When washing or bathing, keep water contact as brief as possible and use less soap than usual.
Nummular eczema (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Nummular eczema is an allergy-related disorder in which itchy, coin-shaped spots or patches appear on the skin.The cause of nummular eczema is unknown, but there usually is a personal or family history of:.It is relatively uncommon, and most often...Reviewer: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/17/2009
Dyshidrotic eczema (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition in which small, itchy blisters develop on the hands and feet.The cause is unknown. The condition seems to appear during certain times of the year.Small fluid-filled blisters called vesicles appear on the hands and...Reviewer: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 10/28/2008
Skin lesion biopsy(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A skin lesion biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin to diagnose or rule out an illness.Punch biopsy; Shave biopsy; Skin biopsy; Biopsy- skin.There are several ways to do a skin biopsy. Most procedures can be easily done in outpatient medical of...Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/05/2008
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