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Eczema (cont.)

Medical professionals sometimes refer to eczema as "the itch that rashes."

Usually the first symptom of eczema is intense itching.
The rash appears later. It is patchy and starts out as flaky or scaly dry skin on top of reddened, inflamed skin.
The rash itches or burns.
If it is scratched, it may ooze and become crusty, especially in young children.
In adults, the patches are more likely to be brownish, scaly, and thickened.
Some people develop red bumps or clear fluid-filled bumps that look "bubbly" and, when scratched, add wetness to the overall appearance.
Painful cracks can develop over time.
The rash can be located anywhere on the body but is most often found on the face and on the arms and legs, particularly in creases and on hands and feet. This pattern makes sense because the face and extremities are in contact with external agents more than any other part of the body.
The itching may be so intense that it interferes with sleep.