Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of eczema?

The correct choice is C, as a fungal infection is not a characteristic of eczema. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that primarily involves inflammation and irritation. The hallmark features of eczema include redness, blisters, and intense itching.

Redness occurs due to the skin's inflammatory response, which amplifies blood flow to the affected areas. Blisters can develop when the skin becomes severely inflamed and can lead to oozing or crusting as the blisters break. Persistent itching is often one of the most distressing symptoms, leading to scratching that can exacerbate the condition.

Fungal infections, on the other hand, are caused by different types of pathogens (fungi) and do not share the same underlying mechanisms as eczema. While individuals with eczema may be more susceptible to secondary infections, including fungal ones, the eczema itself is characterized by immunological responses that do not typically involve fungal infections. Thus, identifying a fungal infection as a characteristic of eczema is inaccurate.