What is a common symptom of eczema?

A common symptom of eczema is the presence of dry patches on the skin. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, often leads to skin that is not only dry but can also become itchy, leading to discomfort and sometimes secondary infections due to scratching. The condition can cause the skin barrier to weaken, resulting in moisture loss and subsequent dryness. While flaking skin and redness and swelling can also occur in eczema, the hallmark symptom that many experience is the formation of distinct dry patches, which may appear on various areas of the body. Oily skin, on the other hand, is typically not associated with eczema and is more commonly seen in other skin conditions like acne. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for proper identification and treatment of eczema.