Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a disease that is caused by inflammation of the skin and the skin's inability to retain adequate moisture. The resulting dry, sensitive skin becomes brittle and breaks out in a rash, which may appear on any part of the body.
Symptoms typically begin during infancy.
They include cracks behind the ears and a dry, itchy, scaling rash on the inside of the elbows, backs of knees, cheeks, and sometimes other body areas. Weeping, oozing, and crusting rashes are also characteristic. Icthyosis is another condition characterised by dry skin. When it co-exists with eczema, they both need to be treated simultaneously. An infant with eczema is more likely to have food allergies than other children.