What is eczema?

Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a red, extremely itchy rash, most common on creases of elbows, wrists, and knees. It may occasionally occur on neck, ankles, and feet. The rash becomes raw and weepy on scratching. The itching has a vicious cycle wherein scratching causes more irritation leading to more itching and scratching. Atopic dermatitis is most often seen in infants and children, but it can continue into adulthood or first appear later in life.

Infantile eczema
When atopic dermatitis occurs in infants, it's called infantile eczema. This condition begins in infancy and may continue into childhood and adolescence. Infantile eczema often involves an oozing, crusting rash, mainly on the face and scalp, but it can occur anywhere. After infancy, the rash becomes dryer and tends to be red to brown-gray in colour. In adolescence, the skin may be scaly or thickened and easily irritated. The intense itching may continue.