It begins with red rash that may develop on the cheeks, neck or arms. The rash causes severe itching, bumps and sometimes oozing sores. The more the rash is scratched the worse it becomes. Eventually, the skin may become scaly, crusty and thickened. Some children may outgrow the disease, but it's not guaranteed.
Doctors suspect that it is partly due to heredity and the environment.
Oftentimes, people with eczema also have asthma or other allergic reactions to the environment. Although these atopic disorders don't cause eczema, they can cause the disease to flare up and become unbearable, according to the report. Food allergies, pollen and other airborne allergens can trigger a flare up. The winter season is also difficult with the dry air from the indoor heat. Keeping the thermostat low and using an ointment or cream-based moisturizer will help ease the uncomfortably dry skin.