Everyone gets eczema in a different form, and flareups aren’t always in the same area. Eczema, however, is always itchy no matter where it starts. Itching sometimes starts before the rash and your skin may be red and dry, cracked, or leathery feeling. You may have eczema on your face, the backs of your knees, hands, wrists, or feet. Your skin will be very dry, scaly, and thick. In those with fair skin, these rashes start out reddish and turn brown. If you have darker skin, eczema can affect skin pigments and eczema causes affected areas to be darker or lighter.