Which skin condition is characterized by the presence of red, itchy patches?

Eczema is a skin condition that is notably characterized by the presence of red, itchy patches on the skin. This inflammation often leads to discomfort, and the patches can vary in appearance from dry and scaly to oozing and crusty, depending on the severity and stage of the condition. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, typically occurs in episodes, where symptoms may flare up due to irritants, allergens, or environmental factors.

The primary symptoms of eczema include intense itching, which can worsen at night, and the development of red or brownish-gray patches on the skin. These patches are commonly found in areas such as the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and on babies' faces and scalp. Understanding this characteristic helps differentiate eczema from other skin conditions that may also involve redness or itchiness but have different clinical presentations and underlying causes.