As the cause of eczema is still not fully understood it makes dealing with the condition a problem as some believe that genetic factors are involved; 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. When you have this skin condition you may also have blisters on the surface of the skin that may have many scabs.

Although there are a number of different types, the most common is atopic eczema; this too is known, like the rest, to have a severe itching symptom. 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; sufferers avoid contact with soaps and washing powders but other man-made items such as make-up can have the same effect as well.

In many instances when young children have this condition it is only seen as an area under the skins surface. The one consistent factor with eczema is the itchy skin; if the rash is not itchy then it is more than certain that you are not suffering from this complaint. Eczema patients are given creams and lotions for example to use when they have flare-ups but if they use the treatment on some itchy skin where there is a rash and if the itching is helped but the rash remains it is more than likely that the rash has nothing to do with the itch.

The diagnosis of the skin disorder is not that simple because there are other medical conditions which cause itchy skin. All eczema conditions have a rash but it is the associated itching sensation that is not understood yet. The red skin is often an indication of increased blood in the area of the rash which may be the result of the sufferer scratching themselves.

The reason the skin can suddenly flare up with eczema and become inflamed is complex because many factors can be involved; even slight bacterial infections can cause inflammation. 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. There is a need to be careful with these blisters as they contain fluid, often pus; sufferers are advised never to burst them and create further infection in an already highly sensitive area.