The exact cause of eczema is not known for sure but some believe that it can be the result of a genetic predisposition; whilst some believe that external causes are to blame for the condition. The most common symptoms are red, dry and itchy areas of skin on anyone who suffers with it. To make matters worse these affected areas may also have a number of blisters that have a crusty surface to them.

Although there are a number of different types, the most common is atopic eczema; irrespective of the type you have, the most common symptom is itching. However, the itching sensation is much more pronounced, and if a person with atopic eczema scratches their skin, the condition is just exacerbated. Another problem caused by the condition is it makes the skin more sensitive to almost any substance; substances such as cosmetics, soaps and detergents products are just a few they must avoid if they do not wish flare-ups.

When small children suffer with this it often goes unnoticed for a while as the affected patches are under the skin. There are occasions where a person with eczema can have a rash but it is not itchy; because the disorder is characterized by itching, if this rash does not itch then it is not a symptom of this condition. A similar situation can occur when a person is given eczema treatment for an itchy rash and it helps the itch but the rash remains then the two probably aren't connected.

The problem is that because it is possible to have other medical conditions where itching is a symptom that diagnosis cannot be made this simply. Although eczema is characterized by itchy skin with a rash it is still not possible to completely understand why the itching occurs. The blood flow in the area affected is the reason the rash looks so red and this can be made worse when the same area or areas are scratched by the sufferer.

With eczema, the skin can become inflamed for many reasons because it is already highly sensitive; one area that causes concern is where there is a bacterial infection which can easily be the result of scratching sensitive skin. 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 could be caused sufferers that have developed an infection in that area or as a result of their genes. Most often, the blisters seen as a symptom are filled with fluid; further infection is almost assured if the blisters are damaged, this is why scratching can just aggravate an already sensitive condition.