Dorothy FarrarEczema
The term eczema is the generic term for a group of non-contagious inflammatory reactions of the upper layer of the skin . Eczema can be differentiated according to cause (external or internal factors), type (e.g. allergic contact eczema ) and course (acute or chronic). The main symptom of eczema is itching. In the acute stage, eczema shows a typical sequence of skin reactions (reddening, blisters, weeping, scabs, scaling).
What is eczema?
Eczema is a non-contagious inflammatory reaction of the skin that is characterized by typical reactions on the skin’s surface. Eczema can be caused by endogenous (by the body itself) or exogenous (external) factors.
Eczema manifests itself through a characteristic sequence of symptoms:
- Reddening of the affected skin area
- formation of bubbles
- bursting and weeping of the blisters
- drying out and crusting
- Desquamation and healing of the affected skin area
There are different groups of eczema. The most common forms include:
- Atopic eczema ( neurodermatitis )
- Toxic contact dermatitis
Eczema can be acute (temporary) or chronic (permanent). Almost everyone suffers from one of these eczema at least once in their life.
causes
The causes of eczema are complex. In some cases, the predisposition to it is already genetically inherited. The eczema often skips a generation: if the grandfather was affected first, the disease cannot affect the son, but only his grandchildren.This will already show the symptoms in the first months of his life. Eczema often requires lifelong treatment. In addition to the inherited variant, eczema can also be caused by external influences. Especially in those professions that work with chemical agents, eczema occurs excessively often.
Very often the cleaning agents in cleaning staff, the hair washing in hairdressers or the paints and varnishes in painters and varnishers will trigger such an eczema. In many cases, however, the characteristics of the disease are also accompanied by an intolerance to food.
Acidic fruits in particular are therefore often considered to be the cause of eczema. Even a mental imbalance may not trigger eczema, but it can promote it. So-called atopic eczema, also known as neurodermatitis , is usually a sensitive skin reaction. A genetic disposition is suspected to be the cause.
The form known as allergic contact eczema is an allergic reaction of the skin, which is shown by the fact that the allergy is only recognizable by the formation of eczema on the skin. An intolerance to nickel in particular can trigger such symptoms after touching it.
When to the doctor?
Eczema can appear anywhere on the body and should be treated early by a doctor. However, direct medical or drug treatment is not always necessary, since the severity of the inflammation can vary greatly. In most cases, eczema becomes noticeable through intense itching , so that the skin becomes reddened by repeated scratching.
The affected person should observe the respective skin area very closely. If there is no significant improvement after two to three days, a visit to the doctor should not be put off. Of course, this also applies to a significant deterioration in the affected skin region. If medical treatment is not carried out at this point, serious complications can be expected.
An open wound can develop from the reddened area of skin. An open wound is always very susceptible to viruses and bacteria, so it can quickly develop into an infection. The following therefore applies: At the first sign of inflammation, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. Appropriate medication can effectively alleviate the existing inflammation. Otherwise there is even a risk of acute blood poisoning if the bacteria and viruses enter the bloodstream.
symptoms and course
Eczema is characterized by characteristic signs of inflammation. Eczema can occur both acutely and chronically. Depending on the stage of the inflammation, the affected skin regions are reddened, very itchy, weeping and sometimes purulent. Blistering and crusting or scaling of the skin can also occur.
All parts of the body are affected, with the eczema appearing more intensely on some, but avoiding others. However, the arms and legs as well as the hands and face are usually affected. However, every fifth person can react more strongly to external or psychological influences, which eventually result in an itchy complexion and thus in such eczema.
Diagnose
Eczema can be recognized visually quickly. It is more difficult for the doctor to find the cause.
Patients who present to the dermatologist with eczema have to answer many questions as part of the anamnesis. The doctor wants to know how long the eczema has been present, whether there is a specific time of day or season when it appears and on which parts of the body it tends to appear. He also asks if there are eczema, asthma or hay fever diseases in the family. At the same time, the doctor examines the patient’s entire body, including the unaffected regions.
A test for allergy sensitivity is helpful in the diagnosis. For this purpose, the atopy score is used, which gives the doctor information about the genetic predisposition of the person concerned to develop eczema or neurodermatitis. If one or more specific characteristics are present, this is not proof, but it is helpful for the diagnosis. Atopy stigmas include dry skin, double creases under the eyes, pale skin on the face, increased lines on the palms of the hands, and dark shadows under the eyes.
Further diagnosis, which is necessary to initiate the appropriate therapy, includes skin tests and examinations in the laboratory. With the help of these tests, substances that trigger the eczema can be identified. In addition, the doctor can order a test for bacteria and fungi .
complications
Eczema can develop on many different parts of the body, so that various complications are of course also possible with this clinical picture. Severe itching usually always occurs in connection with eczema. Constant scratching at the affected area can cause various complications. It is not uncommon for bacteria and viruses to nest in the open wound, leading to severe inflammation. If such a case is not treated by a doctor, the inflammation will worsen significantly within a short time.
Pus forms, so a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. If you don’t see a doctor even if you develop pus, you have to reckon with further serious complications. In particularly bad cases, it can even lead to blood poisoning if the affected area is not treated medically. Individual limbs are no longer properly supplied with blood, so that the said limbs die off. If you want to avoid the above-mentioned complications at an early stage, you should consult a doctor immediately when eczema occurs. However, if you do not visit the doctor, you are taking a great risk, which can lead to serious complications.
treatment and therapy
How such an eczema is to be treated always depends on the individual case. Therefore, the intensity of the disease also determines the measures to be taken.
If the eczema occurs acutely, the severe itching and the redness, scaling and weeping areas should be treated with ointments, bandages or special detergents.The aim is to get the eczema under control as quickly and effectively as possible. As a long-term measure, however, it is important to find the triggers for the eczema and then largely avoid them.
When diagnosing the disease, it is not uncommon for a change of occupation to be seen as a way out. It is only when the eczema becomes chronic that it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist for several years and often for life.
In exceptional cases, therapy with a psychologist can also be considered as a treatment option. How exactly to proceed with the eczema, however, should be left to the specialist. He will be able to cure the eczema in the best possible way.
prevention
↳ More information: Home remedies for eczema
If the prerequisites for eczema are genetic, it is very difficult to prevent flare-ups of the disease. Here, however, it can help to avoid certain foods, perfumes or similar influences.
If the eczema is a result of the working conditions, a solution must also be sought here. In some cases, only a change of occupation can ensure a lasting improvement in the eczema. But for all these measures, it is first necessary to determine what the eczema is originally based on. Thus, the dermatologist is also the right contact person for the diagnosis and will be able to distinguish the eczema from other skin diseases.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.