Eczema Dries and Damages the Skin
The itch of eczema (atopic dermatitis, or AD) often comes before you see a rash. In most cases, that’s because the itchy skin is what causes the rash
to develop.
When you have eczema, your skin is dry and damaged. This condition allows irritants such as tiny particles of pollen or dust to enter more easily through the skin’s surface. When you scratch the dry skin, a rash develops.
After repeated scratching, the skin becomes broken. Open sores may develop and ooze a yellow fluid that dries and crusts over. As the eczema continues, the skin becomes scaly, thick, and drier, making it more likely to be irritated and harder to treat. Eczema is even harder to manage in children because itching and scratching are difficult to control, especially at night while they’re trying
to sleep.