Eczema and atopic dermatitis affect everyone equally

• May 1, 2024

The eczema it's a reaction of skin intolerance in front of different agents that act from outside or from within the organism. Its main symptom is an annoying and constant itching . It is also one of the most frequent manifestations of atopic dermatitis, a very common condition that affects children especially: 5% of children under 5 suffer from it.

According to the doctor Daniel Candelas Prieto , specialist in dermatology, eczema is an evolutionary process that goes through different stages : vesicles that rupture, releasing fluid; Subsequently, yellow scabs and desquamation appear, and finally, if it becomes chronic, there is a thickening of the skin. Not all eczemas go through all stages. Other symptoms may include: discharge or bleeding from the ear, changes in skin color, redness or swelling of the skin around the blisters, among others People with eczema often also have asthma or allergic rhinitis.

Factors that worsen eczema symptoms

• Allergies to pollen , the mold , to the Mites of dust or animals


• Colds or flu


• Contact with rough materials


• Dry skin


• Exposure to environmental irritants


• Feeling too much cold or too much hot


• Fragrances or dyes added to the lotions or soaps for the skin


• Stress

In children younger than 2 years old, skin lesions start on the face, scalp, hands and feet. Often, it is a rash that crusts, exudes or emits a kind of foam. In older children and adults, the rash is most commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows, as well as on the neck, hands and feet. During a severe outbreak, rashes can occur anywhere on the body.

The itching, which is sometimes more intense, almost always occurs and may begin even before the rash appears.

How is it diagnosed and what is its treatment?

The diagnosis is made according to the clinic history of the patient and according to the form and distribution of injuries which vary according to the age at which the eczema occurs. Sometimes you can perform some additional tests to identify possible triggers . Sometimes, eczema can be confused with other health disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis , the fungal infections , or scabies. Medical treatment usually resorts to antibiotics, antivirals and fomentations (application of wet substances).