Diagnosing Eczema
Key points
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common, recurring skin condition characterized by a dry, flaky, itchy rash.
- Eczema may include one or a combination of the symptoms mentioned above.
- The features described above can appear in many types of skin rashes.
- Eczema can appear on different parts of the body depending on your age.
Recognizing Eczema
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common, recurring skin condition characterized by a dry, flaky, itchy rash. Eczema can appear on different parts of the body depending on your age. Its appearance may also vary depending on its severity and location on the body.
Following are pictures of four of the most common features of the rash of eczema:
Patchy Skin (Erythema) - skin redness
| MILDfaintly detectable erythema; very light pink | MODERATEdull red; clearly distinguishable | SEVEREdeep/dark red |
Bumpy Skin (Papulation) - appearance of bumps
| MILD barely perceptible elevated papules | MODERATEclearly perceptible papules but not extensive | SEVERE marked and extensive discrete papules |
Red Open Sores (Excoriation) - lesions caused by scratching
| MILDscant evidence of excoriations with no signs of deeper skin damage (erosion, crust) | MODERATEseveral linear marks of skin with showing evidence of deeper skin injury (erosion, crust) | SEVERE many erosive or crusty lesions |
Scaly Skin (Lichenification) - lines in skin caused by chronic inflammation
| MILD slight thickening of the skin discernible only by touch and with skin markings minimally exaggerated | MODERATE definite thickening of the skin; skin markings exaggerated so that they form a visible criss-cross pattern | SEVERE thickened or indurated skin with skin markings visibly portraying an exaggerated criss-cross pattern |
Eczema may include one or a combination of the symptoms mentioned above. Here are some examples of people with an eczema flare-up.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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