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Symptoms of Eczema

• The main symptom is itching. If it doesn't itch, it's not eczema.
• With flare-ups (itching attacks), the rash becomes red or even raw and weepy.
• Onset: atopic eczema often starts in childhood, but can appear for the first time in adults. Other forms of eczema are more likely to happen in adults.
• Location: atopic eczema can affect any area of the body, but it is most often found in the joint creases. The rash is usually the same on both sides of the body. The elbows, wrists, and knees are the most common places. Discoid eczema usually spares the face and scalp. Varicose eczema affects the lower legs.

Cause of Eczema

• Atopic eczema is often genetic and happens in families with asthma and hay fever.
• The cause of discoid eczema is unknown. It does not run in families.
• Contact dermatitis is caused by contact with specific irritants. It is often a problem in the workplaces where chemicals are used.
• Flare-ups of all types of eczema are from skin contact with soap, shampoo, pollen or other irritants.

Triggers of Eczema Flare-Ups

• Soaps. Never use bubble bath. It can cause a major flare-up.
• Pollens. Avoid lying on the grass during grass pollen season. Shower before bedtime to rinse off the pollens.
• Animals. Avoid any animals that make the rash worse.
• Foods. If certain foods cause severe itching (flares), avoid them.
• Wool. Avoid wool fibers and clothes made of other scratchy, rough materials.
• Dry Air. Use a humidifier if the air in your home is dry.
• Herpes Virus Infection (serious). Keep away from anyone with fever blisters (cold sores). The herpes virus can cause a serious skin infection in people with eczema.
• Eczema is not caused by laundry soap you use to wash clothing.

Itching Scale

• Mild: doesn't change your ability to do normal activities
• Moderate: impacts work, sleep, or other normal activities
• Severe: constant itching that can't be controlled

Food Allergy and Eczema Flare-Ups

• Food allergies may be a factor.
• The main allergic foods are cow's milk and eggs.
• The main symptoms are increased skin redness and itching.
• The eczema becomes easier to control if you avoid the allergic food.

Diagnosing Food Allergy and Eczema Flare-Ups

• Your doctor may suggest the steps listed below:
• Remove the suspected food or foods from your diet for 2 weeks. The eczema should get better if the foods were the cause.
• You can try that food again when the eczema is under good control. This is called a "challenge."
• If the food is causing flare-ups, the eczema should become itchy and red. The flare-up should occur quickly within 2 hours of eating the food.
• If this happens, avoid this food in the future.

Other Dry Skin Problems in Adults:

• Acanthosis nigricans. These are dark, dry velvety patches of skin appear in the area of the neck, groin or armpits. It grows slowly and may be caused by other health problems, so needs to be checked by a doctor. The areas are sometimes very itchy. It is more common in people with obesity, type 2 diabetes and problems that affect hormone levels, such as Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovaries or under-active thyroid. The patches often fade over time once the cause is treated.
• Icthyosis causes widespread thick, dry, "fish-scale" skin. There are many kinds; some start in childhood and others in adults. It is genetic and cannot be cured. Daily lotion can help manage this problem.
• Psoriasis causes patches of dry, raised scaly skin. It occurs when skin cells are replaced faster than usual. This may be caused by an immune system problem. Patches often occur over the front of the knees and back of the elbows and also in the scalp, but any part of the body can be affected.
• Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. It can look like eczema. It appears as a scaly, dry, swollen and itchy rash. It can affect any part of the body. As it spreads, the edge of the rash moves outwards, the center part of the rash gets clearer. It can be treated with over-the-counter creams. No prescription is needed.