Eczema rash what does it look like

It is more common in women, and there is a higher risk if you have had atopic dermatitis eczema or allergic rhinitis hay fever.

It tends to occur in spring and summer and in warmer climates. Round or oval areas of itchy, inflamed sores are the hallmark of this type of eczema, which is also called nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema. Clusters of tiny pimples form plaques, or patches, that become scaly. One or more areas of the skin, usually on the arms and legs, can be affected. It is more common in older males, but young women can get it, too.

Nummular eczema tends to occur in people with dry skin, especially in winter. Like other types of eczema, symptoms can come and go. New patches may form where there was injury to the skin such as an insect bite. Keeping skin moisturized can help prevent future flare-ups. How do you know a rash is eczema and not psoriasis or another skin condition? Eczema is usually accompanied by uncontrollable itching that worsens when you scratch it and can interfere with sleep.

People sometimes scratch until they bleed, yet itching persists, and the wound becomes vulnerable to infection. Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, usually strikes in childhood.

Babies tend to develop a red rash on their cheeks and scalp that turns dry and scaly. The rash can bubble up, ooze, and crust over. In young children, other body sites may be affected, such as the inside folds of the elbows or knees, or the hands, wrists, or feet.

Over time, these patches can lighten or darken, and they may become thick and bumpy and constantly itchy. Dyshidrotic eczema typically strikes the hands and feet. People with this type of eczema develop small, fluid-filled blisters that itch and burn. The blisters weep, crust over, and crack, exposing the skin to painful infection. Nummular eczema produces pimples or blisters that leak fluid and form crusty, coin-shaped patches on the legs, arms, hands, feet, or torso.

It occurs more often in the winter months. Eczema risk is greater in children whose parents had eczema or a condition like asthma or hay fever. Usually the skin serves as a shield against toxins, bacteria, and allergens. With eczema, that protective barrier dries out and is easily breached by irritants in the environment.

Exposure to household products such as soap, detergent, or fragrances or to allergens dust, pollen, or pet dander may trigger eczema symptoms. Other factors that may cause asthma symptoms to flare include stress and anxiety; cold or dry weather; dust, sand, or pollution; and wearing wool or synthetic fibers. Eczema typically produces a red, itchy, scaly rash, but exact symptoms can differ from person to person. What eczema looks like may depend on the type of eczema. Eczema rash can affect different body parts, from the scalp to the toes.

Some people may develop a patch or two of inflammation, while others have multiple lesions. Eczema symptoms can range from mild to severe. Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, usually begins in infancy or childhood. The first sign of eczema in babies is often red cheeks. In children, eczema usually appears in the inner folds on the elbows and knees.

Dyshidrotic eczema is more common in young adults. It produces fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet. Older men are more likely to develop nummular eczema, which produces distinctive circular or oval patches of blistered, scaly rash. A red, itchy rash across the cheeks and chin is often the first sign of atopic dermatitis eczema in infants. A skin doctor called a dermatologist can diagnose and treat eczema.

To help your doctor understand your condition, it may be helpful to keep a diary to identify your eczema triggers. Write down:. You should begin to notice connections between your activities and your eczema flare-ups. Bring this journal to your doctor to help them pinpoint your triggers. An allergy specialist can also do a patch test. This test places small amounts of irritating substances on patches that are applied to your skin. The patches stay on your skin for 20 to 30 minutes to see if you have a reaction.

This test can help your doctor tell which substances trigger your eczema, so you can avoid them. Eczema often comes and goes. When it appears, you might need to try different medicines and other treatments to get rid of the rash. Most eczema comes and goes over time. Atopic dermatitis is usually worst in childhood and improves with age. Other forms of eczema may stay with you throughout your life, although you can take measures to reduce your symptoms. Dermatitis and eczema are generic terms for inflammation of the skin and both are used to describe a number of skin conditions that consist of red….

Eczema is characterized by itchy, dry, rough, flakey, inflamed, and irritated skin. It can flare up, disappear, and then flare up again. Learn what…. Nummular eczema and ringworm have some similar symptoms, but each requires a different treatment plan. Learn the difference here. A dry, scaly scalp might be scalp eczema. Learn what symptoms to look for, causes, how to treat the condition, and how to prevent flare-ups.

Topical steroid creams are one of the most commonly used eczema treatments. We explain what they are, how to use them, possible side effects, and more. PUVA is a treatment for severe atopic dermatitis that hasn't responded well to other options. PUVA combines phototherapy and medications called…. The hallmark symptoms of eczema are itching and inflamed skin. However, other symptoms may include inflammation, hyperpigmentation, rash, or oozing. Hydrocortisone is a common treatment for eczema.

Available both over the counter and by prescription, it can reduce itching, redness, and swelling of…. The skin on the lower leg may become fragile, so it is important to avoid scratching and picking at the spots and blisters. This may be due to the skin becoming drier as a person ages. Asteatotic eczema typically occurs on the lower legs, but it can also appear on other parts of the body.

Symptoms include:. As with other types of eczema, the causes of asteatotic eczema are unknown, but triggers can include:.

People who experience symptoms of eczema should see a doctor or dermatologist. Eczema can indicate a new allergy, so it is important to determine what is causing the reaction. A doctor can recommend a treatment plan to manage symptoms and flare-ups. There is no specific test to diagnose most types of eczema. They will also ask about recent exposures to potential allergens and irritants.

It is essential that people let the doctor know if they have hay fever or asthma. A patch test can determine whether or not someone has contact dermatitis. There is no cure for eczema, so treatment involves managing the symptoms and trying to prevent further flare-ups. People with eczema will also benefit from working with their doctor or dermatologist to identify what triggers or worsens their symptoms.

Avoiding specific triggers or allergens can help to prevent or minimize flare-ups. Read the article in Spanish. There is some evidence that one type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, may be autoimmune in nature. However, more research is necessary. Dust mites may trigger flare-ups in some people with eczema. We examine the link between dust mites and eczema and how to reduce exposure to them. What is atopic dermatitis and how common is it in babies? Learn more about the condition, how to identify characteristic signs, and treatment options.

Atopic dermatitis tends to develop on different parts of the body according to a person's age. Learn about where it is most common and how to treat it. What are the different types of eczema? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis. Dyshidrotic eczema. Discoid eczema.