Which statement best describes eczema?

• A. An inflammation of the skin triggered by stress and sudden weather changes, with itching and possible oozing blisters.
• B. A bacterial infection of the skin causing crusting and fever.
• C. A fungal infection affecting the scalp with hair loss.
• D. A viral infection causing ulcers on the lips.

Answer: (B)

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, dry or irritated skin, and patches that can become red, cracked, or oozing during flare-ups. The description that mentions inflammation of the skin with itching and triggers like stress and weather changes, along with possible oozing blisters, fits this pattern best because it highlights the itch-scratch cycle and the variable, inflamed skin typical of eczema.

The other descriptions point to different problems: a bacterial infection would usually involve crusting with fever and warmth around the area; a fungal infection of the scalp would present with scaly patches and potential hair loss; a viral infection causing lip ulcers would show grouped, fluid-filled vesicles around the lips.