How is eczema characterized?

Eczema is characterized as an inflammatory skin disease that presents with lesions. This condition often manifests as red, itchy patches on the skin, which can become dry and scaly. The inflammation leads to various symptoms, including intense itching, which often results in scratching that can further irritate the skin and exacerbate the condition.

In contrast to benign growths or neoplasms, eczema does not involve abnormal growth of skin cells, making it distinct from benign skin growths. It is also not classified as a type of skin cancer; rather, skin cancers arise from uncontrolled growth of skin cells, which is fundamentally different from the inflammatory response seen in eczema. Furthermore, while eczema may sometimes involve secondary infections, it is primarily an inflammatory condition rather than a bacterial infection itself. Thus, the defining characteristic of eczema is its inflammation and the resulting lesions that occur on the skin.