Since eczema victims also suffer from allergies, doctors usually perform allergy tests to pinpoint possible trigger-irritants. Children with eczema are usually tested for allergies. Treatments Before prescribing treatments, doctors usually determine the type of eczema, the severity, the patient s medical history and other relative factors. The symptoms and signs of most occupational dermatitis usually grow out on the forearms and face, too. Visible signs The symptoms of occupational dermatitis often include dry, chapped skin for mild cases. For more severe cases, the skin is raw and irritated-looking, and with scaly top skin. There is itching or burning sensation on the affected skin areas. It is also found in unlikely areas like the backs of the elbows or even in some areas of the skin. Usually there will be dandruff and scaling because of the dry skin. Usually, this kind of dermatitis is actually pretty harmless although many people actually have them in various degrees. It is only dangerous when it is contracted by the very young such as an infant. Thus, most health experts believe that when it comes to this kind of problems, prevention is still the best course of action. Some also turn to the natural way of controlling this problem without resorting to taking medicines. Because eczema is usually caused by either an allergic reaction or a irritant, avoiding having the problem in the first place is pretty easy. It is classified mostly according to the place where it attacks. For instance, the foot or the hand. It may also be classified according to the causes of the eczema. The many classifications of eczema makes understanding of this skin problem harder and more confusing. One of the most common types of eczema is called atopic eczema. Some people, however, bring it with them till adulthood and suffer throughout their lives. Treatments At present, there is no cure yet found for atopic eczema, and the other types. The treatments are basically for relief and prevention of itch. (Scratching can lead to infection.) Since the skin becomes dry and itchy, lotions and creams are applied to keep the skin moist.