Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that produces itching and other lesions. It is also known as dermatitis. Although science and research have not been able to discover the exact causes, some studies link it to a combination of genes and environmental conditions. Although there is not a definitive cure, there are some treatments available to control it. Sometimes it disappears and sometimes it persists for many years. Identifying the symptoms quickly may help to control them faster. There are several types of eczema but all of them share a few common symptoms that make the skin look in a particular way.
Who Can Have Eczema?
Eczema is a very common disease. It may start at any age. When it starts during childhood, it may disappear in adulthood. But sometimes it may persist and get worse if it is not controlled. Fortunately, it is not contagious, so there is no risk that you spread it or get it from someone else.
The appearance of the skin with eczema
Eczema may look different in different people. Some symptoms may offer you a clue. And some changes in the skin that can make you think that you have eczema, are the following:
- Change of the color of the skin: The skin of white people gets red and darker skins may turn purple or darker.
- Dryness: It occurs because viruses and bacteria absorb the natural moisture of the skin.
- Cracked areas: The lack of proper moisture causes cracks.
- Inflammation: The inflammation occurs due to the reaction of immune cells. This is the normal reaction of the cells to get protected against viruses, fungus, or external invaders.
All of these symptoms may appear individually or all together at the same time. In this sense, Eczema is a sneaky disease to target. People may get confused and think that symptoms occur for other reasons. Another element is that there are up to seven types of eczema and each one of them tends to develop more symptoms. They include contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Due to that, it is always recommended to go to the doctor to obtain a diagnosis.
Collateral symptoms of Eczema
Along with obvious changes in the skin, people with eczema may also experience other symptoms that help to confirm the diagnosis. Firstly, the most notable is the itchiness. It provokes people to scratch and worse the appearance of the skin. Moreover, it contributes to developing sores that may come with blood and other substances. Secondly, people can get multiple rashes that increase the itchy feeling. In addition, the rashes may come with sores too.
How the Eczema looks in different parts of the body
Eczema may appear on any part of the body. And it can take the same appearance and symptoms no matter where you find the flares. However, some symptoms may be more common in one type of eczema or another. Also, the main symptoms can get combined with other symptoms and produce a particular appearance in the skin.
Along with obvious changes in the skin, people with eczema may also experience other symptoms that help to confirm the diagnosis. Firstly, the most notable is the itchiness. It provokes people to scratch and worse the appearance of the skin. Moreover, it contributes to developing sores that may come with blood and other substances. Secondly, people can get multiple rashes that increase the itchy feeling. In addition, the rashes may come with sores too.
