Symptoms of eczema

Atopic dermatitis commonly manifests itself in infants with dry and scaly patches appearing on the skin. These patches are often intensely itchy.6 The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary, depending on the age of the person with the condition.

Most people develop atopic dermatitis before the age of 5.6 Half of people who develop the condition in childhood continue to have symptoms of it as an adult, though these symptoms are often different to those experienced by children.

People with the condition will often experience periods of time where their symptoms will flare up or worsen, followed by periods of time where their symptoms will improve or clear up.2

Infants:

Rashes commonly appear on scalp and cheeks

Rashes usually bubble up before weeping fluid

Rashes can cause extreme itchiness, which may lead to trouble sleeping. Continuous rubbing and scratching can lead to skin infections.

Children, from 2 years old to puberty:

Rashes commonly appear behind the creases of elbows or knees

Also common on neck, wrists, ankles, crease between buttock and legs.

Over time, the following symptoms can manifest:

Rashes can become bumpy, like goosebumps

Rashes can lighten or darken in color

Rashes can thicken (also known as lichenification) and then develop knots and a permanent itch.

Adults:

Rashes commonly appear in creases of elbows or knees or nape of neck

Rashes cover much of the body

Rashes can be especially prominent on neck, face and around the eyes

Rashes can cause very dry skin

Rashes can be permanently itchy

Rashes can cause scaly skin (more scaly than in children)

Rashes can lead to skin infections.

Adults who developed atopic dermatitis as a child but no longer experience the condition, can still experience dry or easily irritated skin, hand eczema and eye problems.

The appearance of skin affected by atopic dermatitis will depend on how much a person scratches and whether the skin is infected. Scratching and rubbing irritates the skin further, increases inflammation and makes itchiness worse.