Eczema Symptoms
Eczema Symptoms and Warning Signs
Since no two people are alike, Eczema Symptoms can vary from person to person. There are, however, some common denominators and some cases where there may be cause to seek a physician's advice for more aggressive treatment options.
Because eczema is quite common in infants and young children, using your eyes can often be the best way to spot the first signs of an outbreak. This skin condition is also experienced by many teenagers, but in most cases, flare-ups will be completely gone by the age of 25.
Common Symptoms of Eczema
Perhaps the first thing that people will notice at the outset of an eczema flare-up is the itch. The skin may also feel hot. The natural reaction will be to scratch these areas, but that is when the skin becomes red and inflamed and can form fluid-filled blisters. Unfortunately, the more you scratch, the worse the condition becomes. As sores are scratched, they will become crusted over before they heal.
The affected skin may also become very dry, and leathery-looking, or develop scales. These patches will show a thickening of the skin that is markedly different from other, unaffected areas.
Most people will find that eczema tends to attack certain areas, particularly where sweat accumulates: the bend of the elbow, backs of the knees, wrists and ankles, and the upper chest. The face and neck can also be prone to dermatitis eczema, as well as acne, particularly in adolescents. Infant eczema tends to develop more often in the creases of elbows and knees. Even hands can show symptoms of eczema, as well as other parts of the body.
When to See Your Doctor
Although generally the appearance of eczema symptoms is not too concerning and can be treated with steroid creams, hydrocortisone ointments, or over-the-counter allergy medications, there are times when it is wise to consult your physician. These include:
- Other, unexplained rashes
- Family history of asthma or severe eczema
- After a week of treatment for eczema with over-the-counter medications, there are no signs of improvement
- A crust appears that is yellowish to light brown in color, or blisters filled with pus form. This is an indication of a bacterial infection that will require antibiotic treatment.
- Exposure to someone else with a viral skin disease such as herpes or cold sores. Open sores from eczema leave the sufferer open to contracting other disorders.
- A large number of fluid-filled blisters may be an indication of a rather rare form of the herpes simplex virus called eczema herpeticum. This is a serious condition that requires medical intervention.
Remember that Eczema Symptoms are rarely cause for alarm and can be treated by keeping the area clean and moisturized. Only in severe cases is a physician's care needed, but he or she can prescribe a number of topical or oral medications if necessary. The good news is that it only rarely affects older adults and just like teen acne, it will pass with time.