Eczema is a skin condition that occurs in both men and women. Children and babies are also known to suffer, as most cases of eczema occur before the patient is five years old, and continues into adulthood. Also called Atopic dermatitis, eczema patients are subjected to flare-ups of varying severity throughout their lifetime. Eczema is controllable with proper diet and lifestyle choices, as things like hot water, perfumed soaps and detergents, dust, poor air quality and stress all play a part in flare-ups.Eczema PatchesEczema presents itself as patches or irritates surface areas on the skin. These patches often appear thin, raised and bumpy, cracked or scaly. The skin is usually red, gray, or brownish yellow in color. Eczema patches may also appear thick and crusty due to scabbing. Eczema patches are subject to cracking, flaking and weeping. Some patients experience pus-filled blisters.Where Symptoms Present ThemselvesEczema suffers typically find patches and flare-ups in areas of high friction. Patches are commonly found on the fronts and back of hands and feet. In the crease of the elbow and behind the knee is another common area. However, eczema also occurs on other areas of the skin, such as the chest, wrists, ankles, neck or face. In some cases, patients experience flare-ups on or around their eyelids.Itching and IrritationBefore an eczema patch or flare-up occurs most patients report dry and itchy skin. Itching is one of the most common signs of eczema. Itching is also accompanied by irritation and rawness of the skin. Sensitivity and itching increases and gets worse at night. Perfumed and scented soaps, bath products and detergents irritate and are often unbearable for eczema sufferers.ConsiderationsScratching is a natural reactions when an itch presents itself, but should be avoided by eczema suffers. Scratching creates more itching and irritation and longer flare-ups in eczema patients. Scratching also increases the instance of broken, weeping and crusty skin. This opens the patient up to germs and bacteria, making them more susceptible to viruses and infections.