Eczema plaques, red plaques on the body

Eczema is a disease characterized by red plaques on the skin (eczema lesions). The location of the eczema plaques varies, but the mechanism by which they appear and disappear is always the same.

Acute eczema: four phases

Eczema plaques are red plaques that are poorly delineated, i.e., with poorly defined contours.

A flare-up of eczema, or acute eczema, consists of four successive phases:

• an "erythematous phase" during which red plaques appear;
• a "vesicular phase" marked by the presence of very small vesicles filled with a clear liquid;
• an "oozing phase" also called oozing eczema, in which the microvesicles break, on their own or after scratching;
• a "scabbing phase", followed by the disappearance of the lesion.

During a flare-up of eczema, it is usually not possible to separate these four phases, only the symptoms of eczema are observed, i.e. red, rough and itchy plaques. The eczema plaques heal without scarring, except in rare cases where scratching has been particularly intense.

Chronic eczema

Chronic eczema is characterized by a thickening of the skin. The skin often becomes darker and forms squares. Chronic eczema plaques are more common in older children and adults. These eczema plaques are more difficult to treat, but may eventually disappear in the same way as acute eczema plaques.

Why treat eczema plaques?

The various symptoms of eczema, namely red plaques, itching and dry skin, cause a lot of discomfort on a daily basis. The appearance of red plaques on the body and face can lead to a loss of self-confidence and fear of other people staring. Starting treatment at the first small eczema plaque can quickly stop the flare-up and improve quality of life, as well as avoid certain complications such as superinfections.