Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis

Pruritus is the hallmark symptom. It occurs because inflammation and barrier disruption stimulate itch pathways. Itching may be worse at night, which can impair sleep and quality of life. Dryness occurs because the impaired skin barrier cannot hold moisture effectively. The skin may feel rough, tight, flaky, or scaly. Redness or discoloration occurs because inflammatory blood flow increases in affected skin. In darker skin tones, inflammation may appear brown, purple, grey, or ashen rather than bright red. Excoriations occur when scratching breaks the skin. These may look like linear scratch marks, open areas, bleeding points, or scabs. Weeping or crusting may occur during acute inflammation or secondary infection. Honey-coloured crusting can suggest bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Lichenification occurs with chronic scratching or rubbing. The skin becomes thickened, leathery, and more deeply lined. Pain or burning may occur when the skin barrier is cracked, raw, infected, or exposed to irritating products. Sleep disturbance occurs because nighttime itch can be severe. Children may become irritable, inattentive, or fatigued due to poor sleep. Psychosocial distress may occur because eczema is visible, uncomfortable,...