Symptoms
Generally the symptoms of eczema include patches of itching red, brown or normally colored, raised skin, and tiny bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid. The itching may become very severe.

•  In atopic eczema the affected skin looks wet or crusted. The patches are very itchy and irritated. Scratching increases the risk of infection from bacteria.
• Hand eczema caused by irritants has symptoms of dry, cracked skin, with or without redness. Other forms of hand eczema may be itchy red bumps and blisters. The skin under a ring often shows the first symptoms.
• Stasis dermatitis initially presents as a mild redness and itching of the legs and the skin around the ankles. The legs may already be slightly puffy or very swollen due to poor blood circulation. If redness and tenderness develop suddenly, it might indicate a secondary bacterial infection, which needs immediate medical attention.
• People with seborrhoeic dermatitis have greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp and eyebrows, behind the ears and around the nose.

About 10% of Americans suffer from atopic eczema. In 70% of the sufferers the condition runs in the family. Symptoms may clear up after a week or two or may persist for years, resulting in a chronic condition. Treatment may also vary from person to person.

•  Soak in a medicated bath to remove crusted skin. Use starch, colloidal oatmeal or bath oil in the water to help soothe irritated nerve endings and reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
• After a bath, apply petroleum jelly or simple moisturising cream or emolient to help conserve the skin’s natural moisture.
• In the case of stasis dermatitis you should wear support stockings and rest frequently.

You should see a doctor if any of the following happen:

•  If home treatment does not have the desired effect after a week
• If a yellowish to light brown crust, or pus-filled or oozing blisters, develop over existing patches of eczema, possibly indicating an infection
• If the skin is painfully dry
• If you have been exposed to a person with a viral skin disease (such as cold sores, genital warts or genital herpes) while you are having a flare-up of eczema