Eczema is a skin condition that can arise for no apparent reason ~ this form of is called atopic eczema and it usually starts in childhood. The skin becomes very itchy, leading to uncontrolled scratching. This makes the rash that forms on the surface of the skin worse. Patches of dry, red and scaly skin appear almost anywhere on the body but it is particularly common on the hands, arms, legs and face. It tends to be worse in creases in the skin, such as in the elbows and knees. Scratching can break the skin, causing it to ooze fluid or even bleed.
Irritants such as strong soaps, perfumed shower gels and bath products and creams can make the eczema worse as they irritate the inflamed skin. If the condition is not treated, the skin becomes thick and scaly and the patches can spread. Broken skin can become worse and can crack and become infected. Treatment using antibiotic or antifungal creams is then required, and doctors also often prescribe an anti-inflammatory cream to damp down the soreness and redness.
Irritants such as strong soaps, perfumed shower gels and bath products and creams can make the eczema worse as they irritate the inflamed skin. If the condition is not treated, the skin becomes thick and scaly and the patches can spread. Broken skin can become worse and can crack and become infected. Treatment using antibiotic or antifungal creams is then required, and doctors also often prescribe an anti-inflammatory cream to damp down the soreness and redness.
