Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition of skin that can be very itchy. The Mayo Clinic states it typically affects babies and children, but also can be an adult problem as well. Along with the skin problem of eczema, you also may have an allergy such as hay fever or suffer from asthma. Researchers have not yet discovered what causes atopic dermatitis. It may be treated with a variety of medications from topical corticosteroids to antibiotics to antihistamines.
Skin Discoloration
Eczema typically appears in such areas of your body as the region behind your knees or on your arms, the Mayo Clinic reports, but also can be a problem elsewhere on your skin. It generally is characterized by flare-ups that then fade, only to return at some future time. One of the primary symptoms of atopic dermatitis is patches of skin discoloration in the affected areas. This may appear as gray-brown or red.
Itching
Severe itching is another classic symptom of atopic dermatitis. For some people, it may be milder, but for others it can be quite bothersome. The sensation of needing to scratch your affected skin can be worse during nighttime. The Mayo Clinic notes that continuing to scratch the itch tends to make the condition worse and increase the itchiness of eczema.
Bumps
Eczema also may produce bumps that are tiny and raised on the skin affected. These bumps may appear like hives. For some people, these bumps seep fluid. When you scratch the itch caused by the condition, the leaking bumps may form a crust.
Skin Changes
Your skin at the site of the atopic dermatitis can develop some changes that are common. Your skin may get thicker than it is on other parts of your body or than it normally was where the eczema occurs. It also may form cracks in the skin. Scaliness may occur, as well, which may be increased by scratching. Scratching the severe itch of eczema also can cause your skin to become overly sensitive and raw.
