Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common, recurring skin condition characterized by a dry, flaky, itchy rash. Eczema can appear on different parts of the body depending on your age. Its appearance may also vary depending on its severity and location on the body.
Following are pictures of four of the most common features of the rash of eczema:
Patchy Skin (Erythema) — skin redness
MILD
faintly detectable erythema; very light pink
|
|
MODERATE
dull red; clearly distinguishable
|
|
SEVERE
deep/dark red
|
Bumpy Skin (Papulation) — appearance of bumps
MILD
barely perceptible elevated papules
|
|
MODERATE
clearly perceptible papules but not extensive
|
|
SEVERE
marked and extensive discrete papules
|
Red Open Sores (Excoriation) — lesions caused by scratching
MILD
scant evidence of excoriations with no signs of deeper skin damage (erosion, crust)
|
|
MODERATE
several linear marks of skin with showing evidence of deeper skin injury (erosion, crust)
|
|
SEVERE
many erosive or crusty lesions
|
Scaly Skin (Lichenification) — lines in skin caused by chronic inflammation
MILD
slight thickening of the skin discernible only by touch and with skin markings minimally exaggerated
|
|
MODERATE
definite thickening of the skin; skin markings exaggerated so that they form a visible criss-cross pattern
|
|
SEVERE
thickened or indurated skin with skin markings visibly portraying an exaggerated criss-cross pattern
|
Eczema may include one or a combination of the symptoms mentioned above. Here are some examples of people with an eczema flare-up.
If the affected skin becomes very inflamed, open sores, called ulcers (UHL-sirs), may occur. A clear, sticky fluid may even weep from the affected skin. This can make it hard for the healthcare provider to decide if the skin is affected by eczema or by a skin infection. In fact, both can occur at the same time. When the skin has been affected for a long time, it can become thick and leathery. The good news is that the rash can be controlled.
| |
In older children and adults, eczema appears less often on the face and more commonly on the hands, neck, inner elbows, backs of the knees, and ankles. In younger children, eczema usually appears on the face, elbows, knees, and possibly on other areas. |
Important Note:
Only your doctor can diagnose eczema. The features described above can appear in
many types of skin rashes. Diagnosis is based on a combination of the patient's
recent medical history and family history, in addition to a physical examination.
Therefore, to help you find out whether that itchy rash is actually eczema, we've
developed a skin rash questionnaire for you to share with your doctor.
|
