How to Identify Eczema

Eczema is a skin allergy condition that effects about 20 percent of the U.S. population. Many of those effected are too young to tell you about their discomfort. That’s because eczema often begins during infancy. It’s up to parents to know how to identify the symptoms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Pay close attention to any changes in the skin. The symptoms may begin with itchy skin. A rash may develop or you may notice patches of extremely dry scaling on the hands, neck, face, legs, and in the folds of the skin. There may also be lesions or areas of smooth redness.
2. Check for the presence of other allergies that can be associated with eczema. People who have eczema may also have hay fever or asthma, or have family members with these conditions. They may also have allergic reactions to certain foods and medications. Also, eczema tends to run in families.
3. Be aware of the triggers. Eczema flare-ups can be caused by allergic reactions to excessive sweating, certain soaps and clothing, foods such as milk, peanuts, soy products, wheat and eggs, and sudden changes in the temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Moisturizing the skin helps prevent flare-ups.