If you are a person that suffers with eczema you will know that it may be some time before the true cause is found and whether you are predisposed genetically to suffer with it; however, there are others who claim external factors are a contributing cause. The most common symptoms are red, dry and itchy areas of skin on anyone who suffers with it. Along with those indications, sufferers may also have a number of crusty blisters as well.

The most common type is known generally as atopic eczema; however, all forms share one main symptom: that of severe itching. Atopic eczema brings with increased itching compare to other forms but is relieved when the sufferer scratches; unfortunately this just makes the condition worse. Another effect is the skin becomes hypersensitive to certain products which just make the condition worse; the skin can easily become irritated by detergents, soap and even cosmetics for example.

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. Itching is the primary trade mark of eczema, although a rash can also present when you suffer from it; in these situations it is not the disorder causing the problem as itching is the one consistent factor with the condition. This also follows that if when a topical eczema treatment is applied and the itch reacts favorably but the rash does not disappear then the rash and the itch may not be related.

Itchy skin is not the only symptom to diagnose the skin complaint because many health conditions can cause itchiness. Keep in mind though that eczema without a rash does not exist and it is still a problem today to fully understand the cause of itching. One of the more noticeable symptoms of is the red skin in the location of the rash which is caused by increased blood flow.

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; an infection or just a genetic trait of the sufferer could be the reasons for this. This is a situation that needs to be monitored as the blisters contain fluids; great care is required not to make matters worse (by scratching) than they already are.