From the Guidelines
A typical eczematous rash is characterized by red, inflamed skin that is intensely itchy, often appearing dry, scaly, and thickened, with characteristics that can vary based on the stage of eczema, as described in the most recent guidelines 1. The affected areas may develop small fluid-filled blisters that can weep and crust over, particularly during acute flares. Eczema commonly affects flexural areas such as the inner elbows, behind the knees, and on the face and neck, though it can appear anywhere on the body.
- The rash often has poorly defined borders
- May show signs of excoriation (scratching marks) due to the persistent itching
- In chronic cases, the skin becomes lichenified (thickened with accentuated skin lines) from repeated scratching and inflammation, as noted in previous studies 1. The appearance can vary based on the stage of eczema, with acute phases showing more redness and vesicles, while chronic phases display more dryness, scaling, and thickening. The underlying mechanism involves skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation, leading to increased transepidermal water loss and heightened inflammatory responses to environmental triggers, which is consistent with the description provided in the guidelines 1. People with eczema often experience cycles of flares and remissions, with symptoms worsening in response to triggers such as stress, allergens, irritants, or changes in weather.
From the FDA Drug Label
Of the key signs of atopic dermatitis, erythema, infiltration/papulation, lichenification, and excoriations, erythema and infiltration/papulation were reduced at day 8 when compared to vehicle.
A typical eczematous rash is characterized by:
- Erythema (redness)
- Infiltration/papulation (raised patches)
- Lichenification (thickening of the skin)
- Excoriations (scratches or abrasions) These signs are commonly associated with atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema 2.
From the Research
Characteristics of a Typical Eczematous Rash
A typical eczematous rash is characterized by:
- Intense itching and recurrent eczematous lesions 3
- Scaling, itchy, inflamed skin that can be triggered by an interplay of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors 4
- Defects in skin barrier function, which is central to the disease 3
- Chronic inflammatory skin disease with variable clinical manifestations and expressivity 3
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of a typical eczematous rash may include:
- Eczematous skin lesions, which can be acute or chronic 5
- Skin exacerbation, which can be treated by either topical or systemic antimicrobial treatment 5
- Itch, which is a principal symptom of the disease 6
- Sleeplessness and fatigue, which can have a substantial impact on quality of life 6
Severity and Prevalence
The severity and prevalence of eczematous rashes can vary, with:
- Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) being a common and potentially debilitating disease with increasing incidence 5, 3
- The disease affecting two of ten children and also being highly prevalent in adults 3
- The leading non-fatal health burden attributable to skin diseases, inflicting a substantial psychosocial burden on patients and their relatives 3