Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for eczema are, in general, the face, neck, in front of the elbows, behind the knees, and on the extremities. The first location in an infant is usually the cheek area.
- Thickened, scaly, pink to red bumps (papules) and slightly elevated lesions (plaques) are seen in these areas.
- Mild eczema – few, scattered areas of involvement, which are easily treated with self-care measures
- Moderate eczema – more extensive involvement, which is more difficult to control with self-care measures and may require prescription therapy
- Severe eczema – diffuse involvement, which is difficult to treat even with prescription therapy
- Infants with eczema may have prominent involvement of the face, scalp, and the skin on the arms and legs overlying the elbows and knees.
- Areas with superimposed infection can develop thick crusts.
- Blacks frequently have extensive accentuation of the hair follicles and shininess without obvious thickened, raised areas.
Who's At Risk
