Which condition is best described as an inflammatory disease with painful, itchy skin lesions?

Eczema is best described as an inflammatory disease characterized by painful, itchy skin lesions. It manifests as red, inflamed patches that can be flaky, swollen, and may ooze or crust over. This condition often results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, leading to a heightened immune response that causes inflammation of the skin.

The key features of eczema include intense itching, which can lead to scratching and further aggravation of the skin, thus worsening the condition. It commonly affects areas such as the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Understanding the chronic nature of eczema and its flare-up patterns is crucial for management and treatment.

Other conditions, while related to skin issues, do not fit this description as precisely as eczema does. Erythema refers to redness of the skin often caused by increased blood flow to the skin’s surface but does not specifically describe itchy lesions. Pruritis indicates itching but is a symptom rather than a distinct condition. Urticaria, or hives, involves welts that can be itchy and are typically more transient, whereas eczema is characterized by persistent skin inflammation and lesions.