Eczema symptoms based on characteristics

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin inflammation with the main symptoms of dry skin and a reddish rash with intense itching. The cause of dermatitis is not known with certainty. However, the appearance of eczema is related to various factors, both from inside and outside the body.

The characteristics of eczema that are experienced by each person can be different. Likewise, the symptoms that each person exhibits each time the condition recurs. Therefore, the symptoms of eczema should be well recognized because this condition requires regular treatment to avoid the risk of skin infections.

Various factors trigger eczema recurrence

The skin inflammation typical of atopic dermatitis can affect almost any part of the skin that covers the body. However, the symptoms of eczema are usually most noticeable on parts of the body that have creases.

This is why eczema sufferers often complain of itching on the inner elbows, behind the knees, nape, and the front of the neck. Other symptoms can also appear on the hands, face and back.

Eczema can even attack the genital area, including the penis and testicles in men. The characteristics are the same as eczema on other parts of the body, coupled with bad odor on the genitals and the loss of fine hair in that area.

The appearance of eczema symptoms can be caused by more than one trigger factor. One of the ways to control annoying eczema symptoms is to recognize these factors.

According to the National Eczema Association, the appearance of eczema symptoms can be triggered by internal factors (in the body) such as:

• sensitive immune system,
• genetic mutation,
• a history of allergies, asthma, and eczema from parents,
• dry skin conditions, as well
• hormonal changes.

Meanwhile, factors from outside the body that can trigger eczema symptoms include:

• exposure to irritants such as chemicals in cleaning products,
• exposure to allergens such as pollen and food,
• stress that triggers itching,
• use of clothing with materials that can irritate the skin,
• move to regions with extreme temperatures, as well
• bacterial and viral infections.

Eczema symptoms can improve over time. However, it is not uncommon for this condition to get worse. The characteristics of eczema may change depending on the severity of the disease.

Eczema symptoms according to severity

In a medical report published by American Family Physician, the development of eczema is known to take place in three clinical stages, namely acute, subacute, and chronic. All three are distinguished by how fast the symptoms appear.

Here are the characteristics of eczema based on the stages of the disease progression.

1. The characteristics of acute eczema

Acute eczema initially presents with a small reddish rash on the facial skin that appears rapidly. These rashes usually cause itching that doesn't go away.

Itching due to eczema is usually unbearable, so sufferers tend to scratch the skin hard. This condition can hinder daily activities. In fact, eczema can disrupt sleep.

Constantly scratching the affected skin makes skin inflammation worse. The eczema rash, which was reddish, has turned into a blistered, wet, and oozing sore.

2. The characteristics of subacute eczema

When the skin inflammation starts to subside, eczema will enter the next stage, which is subacute. Subacute eczema is a transition from acute eczema that appears quickly to chronic eczema which can last for years.

Eczema at the subacute stage has typical symptoms such as:

• problematic skin becomes dry,
• problematic skin crusts or forms ulcers, as well
• itching begins to decrease.

3. The characteristics of chronic eczema

Chronic eczema is eczema that has been chronic or has recurred repeatedly. At this stage, the itching has subsided, but the long-term habit of scratching or rubbing the inflamed skin causes lichenification.

Lichenification is a condition where thick, rough patches of skin appear. This is why eczema in the chronic stage is usually characterized by a dark discoloration of the skin.

The symptoms of eczema are so diverse that sometimes the results of the diagnosis can vary. Doctors may diagnose this disease as impetigo, psoriasis, scabies, or other dermatitis diseases such as contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

4. The characteristics of eczema complications

When the disease has reached a chronic stage, sufferers are more at risk of developing eczema infection. This complication is caused by the reduction in the protective layer of skin that is damaged by inflammation.

The hallmark of infected eczema is skin that cracks open or peels. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can infect areas of the skin that experience inflammation. The bacterial species that often infect are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

Eczema infection will be difficult to stop because this disease usually also affects the immune system and makes it difficult to fight the cause of the infection. If not treated quickly, infected eczema can cause various complications.

Some complications that may occur due to eczema infection include:

• impetigo,
• infection herpes simplex virus (HSV),
• molluscum contagiosum, and
• eczema herpeticum.

Symptoms of infected eczema

Symptoms of eczema on infected skin will usually appear more severe and show the following general characteristics.

• Blistered skin.
• Very itchy skin.
• There is a burning sensation on the skin that has an infection.
• A severe infection can make a person have a fever and chills.
• The discharge from the skin affected by eczema, can be clear or pus that is white and yellow in color.
• Swelling of the glands in the armpits, neck and groin.

When you experience the various symptoms of infection above, you should immediately consult a doctor before the infection gets serious and causes other complications.

Eczema that has been infected but not treated or is not getting the right treatment can cause the following complications.

• Eczema that is long and prolonged, making it difficult to treat.
• Itching and blisters that get worse day by day.
• Resistance (resistance) to topical steroid creams because they are used for a long time.
• The appearance of scar tissue / keloid on the skin.
• The existence of growth disorders in children due to prolonged steroid use.
• Sepsis (blood poisoning).

Eczema signs in children and babies

Eczema in babies usually starts to appear in the first 6 months of age. Reporting from the American Academy of Dermatology, atopic dermatitis aka eczema usually shows different symptoms in babies and children.

The characteristics of eczema that appear in infants and children in the early stages are generally not so obvious. The red rash appears in a smaller form.

1. Symptoms of eczema in babies

Eczema symptoms generally appear when the child is 2 to 3 months old. Here are some of the characteristics of eczema in babies.

• Rash that appears suddenly.
• Dry, scaly, itchy skin.
• The appearance of symptoms on the scalp and face, especially on the cheeks.
• Scaly skin can crack and ooze.
• Difficulty sleeping because the skin feels very itchy.
• The emergence of infection due to scratching the skin until it is injured.

Parents are usually also worried if their little one also has diaper eczema. In the case of atopic dermatitis, the characteristics are rarely found on the part of the baby's body who is wearing a diaper or the groin and buttocks.

2. Symptoms of eczema in children

In children, signs of eczema begin to appear at the age of 2 years until puberty. Here are various characteristics of eczema in children that usually appear.

• Rash, especially in the crease of the elbow or knee. Sometimes, eczema also appears on the hands, neck, feet, or the folds of the buttocks and legs.
• Unbearable itching in the inflamed area of ​​the skin.
• The surface of the skin is bumpy because there is a bump or thickening of the skin that is sometimes permanent.
• The skin on the affected area is lighter or darker.

When should I see a doctor?

Eczema symptoms can get worse and can recur more quickly if you don't get eczema treatment. You should not delay seeing a doctor if you or your little one experience symptoms such as the following:

• Difficulty sleeping because the itching gets worse at night.
• Daily activities become disrupted.
• Skin feels sore.
• The skin looks infected, for example, with red streaks, pus, scabs appearing.
• Home remedies that have been taken do not help relieve symptoms.
• Disturbed eyes or vision.

Eczema is not curable, but you can relieve the complaints that arise with treatment. Treatment will certainly be more optimal if you recognize the symptoms of eczema as early as possible.

Not only that, recognizing the characteristics of eczema can also prevent the recurrence of the disease while helping the doctor's diagnosis process.