What is characterized by moderate to severe inflammation, scaling, and sometimes severe itching?

Eczema is characterized by moderate to severe inflammation, scaling, and often includes intense itching. This skin condition, also known as atopic dermatitis, is primarily marked by its inflammation, which can lead to dry, red, and itchy patches on the skin. The scaling you see in eczema is due to the skin's barrier function being compromised, allowing moisture to escape, which results in a lack of hydration and subsequent scaling.

The inflammation associated with eczema is usually quite substantial and can vary in intensity, leading to periods of flare-ups. These flares are often triggered by environmental factors like allergens or irritants, and the severe itching can lead to scratching, which unfortunately can exacerbate the condition and lead to secondary infections.

While contact dermatitis also leads to inflammation and itching, it typically results from exposure to specific irritants or allergens, and the symptoms usually resolve after removal of the irritant. Crust refers to dried exudate on the skin surface, and while it can occur in various conditions, it is not itself a condition characterized by the features mentioned in the question. A cyst, being a closed sac under the skin filled with liquid or semi-solid material, does not fit the description of inflammation and scaling associated with the itching. Thus, eczema is