Almost always, your skin will itch before a rash appears in eczema. Typically, eczema shows itself as:

  • Patches of chronically itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on the hands, neck, face, and legs, but it can occur anywhere. In children, the inner creases of the knees and elbows are often involved.

  • If scratched, dry patches of skin and open sores with crusts may develop and may get infected.