Eczema is the hallmark symptom of contact allergy, or contact dermatitis. With eczema the skin is red and swollen; there may also be small spots and blisters, causing irritation and soreness. If the eczema is left untreated, the skin will crack and become dry and flaky. This may lead to chronic eczema.
Eczema starts on the area of the skin that has been in contact with the substance causing the allergy (the allergen). For example, eczema is first seen on the hands in cases of latex allergy caused by wearing latex gloves, or on the face when the person is allergic to the perfume in face creams.
If left untreated, the eczema, or contact dermatitis, will spread. Eczema can start on one hand, then spread to the other and then spread to other parts of the body, for example, the feet.
Untreated eczema can become chronic. This means that even if a person is no longer in contact with the allergen, the eczema may still continue.
The severity of the symptoms varies greatly from person to person. It depends on the type of eczema a person has and on whether he or she is particularly prone to the disorder.
