Medical science is still divided by what exactly causes eczema and whether it is a genetic trait; others believe there are certain factors that influence its development. Sufferers have to endure a condition that leaves patches of dry itchy skin that looks inflamed. Other symptoms may include surface blisters that can have a crusty surface.

Although there are a number of different types, the most common is atopic eczema; some are even specific to certain areas of the body but one common problem among all of them is itching. Scratching helps, especially with atopic eczema but this is guaranteed to worsen the situation and make it flare up. A side effect to this condition is how hypersensitive it makes the skin; as a result, products like detergents, soaps and often cosmetics just inflame the condition.

In children, the condition is less noticeable because it is hidden below the surface of the skin which means it may be overlooked for some time. There are occasions where a person with eczema can have a rash but it is not itchy; if this ‘itchiness' is not present in a person who suffers with the condition then it is unlikely to be a symptom of it. If the rash itches and reacts well to eczema treatment but the rash does not disappear then there is a good chance the rash is unrelated to the itchy feeling.

Because itching is a symptom in many problems related to the skin, including this skin disorder, this is not the basis of diagnosing the condition. Eczema itching and rashes go hand in hand but medical science still can't full explain why the skin itches the way it does. Red skin is another symptom of and this is as a result of the increased blood flow in the area.

With eczema, the skin can become inflamed for many reasons because it is already highly sensitive; scratching can lead to bacteria infecting the area and making the inflammation worse. Blisters are also a symptom and in an active condition, the blisters seen are small, although there are cases when the blisters are larger; this may be the result of the person's skin type or from an infection. Most often, the blisters seen as a symptom are filled with fluid; great care is required not to make matters worse (by scratching) than they already are.