This image displays dry skin with prominent hair follicles and inflamed areas of skin typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a person with darker skin. This image displays multiple small, dark brown bumps typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in a person with darker skin. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) typically involves the folds of the elbows and knees (flexures) in children. This image displays atopic dermatitis (eczema) in the body folds of the back of the legs coupled with staph bacteria. In atopic dermatitis (eczema), the rash often is seen as scaly bumps over each hair follicle. Eczema in people with darker skin can cause lighter skin areas (hypopigmentation) as seen on the arms of this patient. Inflammation around the hair follicles, giving a dotted appearance, is typical to follicular eczema. This image displays atopic dermatitis involving the cheeks and neck. Children with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often have very dry skin and prominent skin folds just below the eyes. This image displays scratched skin lesions of a severe case of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in a young child. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) frequently affects the face in children. Look for red or pink scaling areas and dry-appearing skin. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) that has been present for an extended period of time begins to looks thickened and darker. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) frequently affects skin folds, such as the front of the ankles. This image displays atopic dermatitis (eczema) on the back of the legs with erosions from scratching. This image displays severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a child's eyelids. Red or pink, scaling lesions and dry-appearing skin are typical in atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in darker-skinned children is often accentuated around hair follicles, giving a bumpy appearance.
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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): This image displays dry skin with prominent hair follicles and inflamed areas of skin typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a person with darker skin. Divider line
This image displays dry skin with prominent hair follicles and inflamed areas of skin typical of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on a person with darker skin.
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Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for eczema are:
  • Face
  • Neck
  • Front of the elbows
  • Behind the knees
  • Arms and legs (extremities)
Thickened, scaly, pink-to-red elevated areas (papules) and sheets of skin (plaques) are seen in these areas. The condition may be rated as:
  • Mild – few, scattered areas that are easily treated with self-care measures
  • Moderate – more extensive areas that are more difficult to control with self-care measures and may require prescription therapy
  • Severe – widespread (diffuse) affected areas that are difficult to treat even with prescription therapy
Children with eczema may have prominent affected areas on the arms and legs (extremities), particularly in front of the elbows and behind the knees.

Areas with infection in the affected areas (superimposed infection) can develop thick crusts.
 
Blacks with eczema often have extensive accentuation of the hair follicles and shiny skin without obvious thickened, raised areas.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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