Eczema Symptoms

Eczema is a condition that has no know causes; some researchers say that there is a genetic factor influencing its appearance, while others also add that there is an abnormal function of the immune symptom.  While studies continue to determine the cause of this condition, it is also important to learn to recognize the eczema symptoms and find treatment accordingly.

Main Symptoms of Eczema

The main symptoms of this condition are the patches of red, itchy and dry skin.  It can appear in any part of the body, but is commonly seen on the face, neck, hands and legs.  When it appears on children, the condition also shows on the inside of knees and elbows.

The other symptoms include:

• Skin lesions

• Scaling

• Patches of thick skin

• Changes in skin color among dark-skinned-people.

• Weeping

• Crusting

• Papules

• Urticaria

• Crusty leg blisters

• Red cheek rash

If you notice these symptoms, go to a dermatologist who will help giving you a proper diagnose through physical examination or biopsy in complicated cases.  After eczema is determined, you will given treatment according to the severity of the symptoms.  If you are advised to use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and you don’t see improvement in a week, consult your doctor for a more aggressive treatment.

Also call your doctor if you develop blisters over patches of eczema.  Blisters filled with pus are an indication of an infection taking place.  Treatment of infection is done thanks to the use of antibiotics.  If these blisters are numerous, small and filled with fluid, you may have eczema herpeticum, a complication cause by herpes simplex virus.