The medical profession is still undecided to the exact cause of eczema as some believe there may be genetic reasons for it; 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. Some unfortunate victims exhibit other symptoms including blistering and skin that appears to be ‘crusty'.

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. The main problem with the itching, especially with atopic eczema is that scratching brings relief but at a cost of intensifying the condition. Another problem caused by the condition is it makes the skin more sensitive to almost any substance; sufferers avoid contact with soaps and washing powders but other man-made items such as make-up can have the same effect as well.

When small children suffer with this it often goes unnoticed for a while as the affected patches are under the skin. The one consistent factor with eczema is the itchy skin; the disorder is not responsible if the itching is not present. 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.

Another problem to be aware of before this disorder is diagnosed, is that other conditions have itching as a symptom of a medical condition. Whilst Eczema and a rash always coexist at the same time, the reason the rash itches is still a mystery. 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.

With eczema, the skin can become inflamed for many reasons because it is already highly sensitive; one such cause can be the result of bacterial infection. Most blisters seen as part of the symptoms are quite small but large blisters can also occur; 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; sufferers are advised never to burst them and create further infection in an already highly sensitive area.