In reference to food, ânitrateâ really means sodium nitrate, but should really refer to sodium nitrite. While these are two completely different chemical compounds, they are often used interchangeably by those outside of the science realm. 1  Sodium nitrate is a type of salt, naturally found in Chile and Peru.
Symptoms. Diagnosis and Treatment. Prevention. 1  Patches of chronically itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on the hands, neck, face, and legs (but it can occur anywhere). 2  In children, the inner creases of the knees and elbows are often involved.
But the different types of eczema tend to cause these symptoms: 1  Itching. 2  The itching can be intense. 3  The damage to the skin during eczema is often due to scratching. 4  Scaling. 5  The surface of the skin can flake off, giving the skin a rough, scaly appearance.