Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for eczema are:
- Face
- Neck
- Front of the elbows
- Behind the knees
- Arms and legs (extremities)
Thickened, scaly, pink-to-red elevated areas (papules) and sheets of skin (plaques) are seen in these areas. The condition may be rated as:
- Mild – few, scattered areas that are easily treated with self-care measures
- Moderate – more extensive areas that are more difficult to control with self-care measures and may require prescription therapy
- Severe – widespread (diffuse) affected areas that are difficult to treat even with prescription therapy
Children with eczema may have prominent affected areas on the arms and legs (extremities), particularly in front of the elbows and behind the knees.
Areas with infection in the affected areas (superimposed infection) can develop thick crusts.
Blacks with eczema often have extensive accentuation of the hair follicles and shiny skin without obvious thickened, raised areas.
Who's At Risk
