With this condition, an itchy, scaly rash appears on the face or in warm, moist areas of the body, such as behind the knees and ears, or inside the elbows. The skin may flake off, followed by the appearance of small, red pimples that leak clear fluid when scratched. Eczema is most common in babies between 2 and 18 months of age. Eczema usually clears up on its own as a child grows older, and most times it is gone by puberty. Applying ointments like petroleum jelly to the rash may help keep the skin soft and moist.
Nummular eczema can occur anywhere on the body and usually affects adults.
A ringworm-like rash of circular, itchy, scaling patches distinguishes this type of eczema. Hand eczema appears as scaly, cracked skin with blisters up to 1 inch in diameter, usually on the palms of the hand. Hand eczema is caused by irritation from substances like detergents and household cleansers. Hand eczema may improve by wearing white cotton gloves covered with rubber gloves to avoid contact with irritants. Hands should be patted dry after each washing, and an unscented hand cream should be applied several times a day.