Eczema skin

definition

Eczema is an inflammatory reaction of the skin that can be acutely associated with reddening, overheating and itching, or chronically with flaking and cornification. Eczema is not contagious and is one of the most common skin diseases.

Causes of Eczema

Often, eczema is caused by allergic reactions. In addition to substances such as metals, industrial materials or care products, light can also be triggers.

Even with a desiccation (too little moisture) the skin partly rules with the development of eczema. These occur more frequently in old age and in winter, as the skin becomes increasingly vulnerable. With moisturizing creams, itchy skin symptoms can often be completely reduced.

Eczemas tend to occur on the legs with varicose veins.

There is also an innate tendency to eczema, so-called atopic dermatitis, which is often associated with neurodermatitis and allergic asthma as well as pollen allergy. In this case, the skin can look very different and the degree of severity can range from slight courses that limit themselves to the most severe skin symptoms that can only be treated with steroid preparations.

You might also be interested in this article: Can you cure neurodermatitis?

Figure causes of eczema

Facial eczema
(allergic-inflammatory
related skin irritation)

1. Reddening of the skin
2. swelling
3. Blistering
4. Pimples
5. psoriasis
   Causes:
   A - contact allergies -
   Metallic substances -
   Nickel allergy (earrings,
   A necklace)
   B - types of cosmetics -
   Skin creams, powders, lotions
   C - stress -
   Mental stress,
   Neurodermatitis
   (Skin disease)
   or psoriasis
   D - pregnancy -
   atopic pregnancy dermatosis
   (Neurodermatitis, hay fever,
   Bronchial asthma)
   E - toddler -
   Neurodermatitis
   (Skin disease),
   Cradle cap (in infancy)
   Alternative treatment:
   F - aromatherapy -
   Oils with intense fragrances
   (Lavender, lemon balm, thyme,
   Peppermint)
   G - chemical substances,
   vegetable substances
   (Chamomile, sage leaves,
   Marigold)
   H - bath therapy,
   Face wraps, steam baths,
   Regions by the sea
   with salty air

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Symptoms of eczema

In the acute stage, redness with overheating is the leading symptom. Mostly there is itching, which can sometimes turn into burning pain. Sometimes small vesicles form, which crust up after bursting and then heal.

If the eczema is chronic, many different skin changes can be observed. In addition to scales and crusts, there may also be blisters and redness. The skin appears coarser, dry and thickened overall due to the chronic inflammation.

Eczema on the face

It can different types of eczema on the face occur. This is a common form seborrheic eczema, which mostly becomes chronic and especially at hairy areaswhere there is a lot of sweating (Hairline, beard, sweat line).
In this case there is one Overactive sebum glands so that fatty crusts form. Often there is also one Fungal infection with an appropriate antifungal ointment (Active ingredient, such as ketoconazole) can be treated. Special help offers additional help antiseborrheic shampoos or ointments with the active ingredient Metronidazole. Ointments containing steroids are seldom with a very pronounced one Inflammatory response prescribed.

Also atopic eczema like to appear on the face. They are characterized by a wide range of different manifestations. Usually the patients are otherwise through Allergies impaired or familial in this regard.

With the use of cosmetics and care products like to kick allergic contact eczema on. Also Piercings can irritate the skin and cause inflammation.

By a "Overcare“Of the face with oily creams or a long application of Steroid creams in the face can perioral dermatitis arise. In this picture, the main thing is the thin one skin around the mouth of Redness and itchy nodules affected. This often creates a vicious circle, as eczema is often interpreted as an insufficient supply of moisture to the skin.

Please also read the topic: Eczema on the face

Eczema in the baby

Eczema in babies often occur in the form of Diaper rash on. Through the Rubbing of the diaper against the skin and too much humidity the inflammation of the skin is favored.
As a result, the Skin barrier disrupted is can subsequently Pathogens such as yeasts attach particularly easily to the skin and the Further worsen the findings.
The most important and easiest measure for Avoidance and Therapy the diaper rash is that frequent diaper changesso that no moist environment can arise. Zinc pastes help to dry out the weeping eczema. If there is also a fungal infection, this can be done with a Antifungal ointment (for example with nystatin) be treated.

Another eczema that may be the can affect the baby's entire body, is this atopic eczema. Often this begins in face as brownish crust on a red background (so-called cradle cap) and then spreads to the rest of the body over time. Especially the Extensor sides of the extremities (Elbows, knees) are affected.
Atopic eczemas look very different. From Redness over blisters, crusts, oozing Erosions, node up to Dandruff everything is possible. The treatment of the is just as different as the appearance atopic dermatitis. A moisturizing of the skin and the fight against inflammation through Steroid creams belong to the basic therapy. This has a positive effect on the baby's eczema Breastfeeding. Through the Breast milk are Allergies less active. Otherwise it can be an advantage hypoallergenic food to feed. Also the No pets and no smoking in the child's immediate environment can help skin restore it to its original state.

The seborrheic eczema can affect both babies and adults and typically disappears in babies after the third month of life. The cause is one Malfunction of the sebum glandswhich then rest again until puberty. Yellowish, greasy crusts on hairy parts of the body are characteristic. The crusts go well with Olive oil overnight soaked and are then quite easy to remove. Sometimes it can also be a slight Steroid cream help.

Diagnosis

The eczema is a Eye diagnosis. By asking carefully, the doctor tries to narrow down possible causes in order to guarantee optimal treatment. Especially with Contact eczema become Allergy tests performed in order to be able to avoid the trigger in the future.

Ointments for eczema

Moisturizing measures, for example with urea ointment and avoiding excessive contact with water, make dry skin supple faster. These urea-containing ointments should only be used after the skin has healed. Otherwise the ointment will cause an uncomfortable, painful burning sensation. Alternative ingredients are coconut oil, almond oil or aloe vera. Marigold extracts also soothe the skin.

Oil baths can replace the conventional shower gel and take over the lipid replenishment in daily care.
If the eczema is rather weeping, drying pastes with zinc, for example, help.

Steroid ointments have anti-inflammatory effects. However, steroid therapy is never a long-term therapy, but rather in the acute stage, as long-term therapy thins the skin and becomes more susceptible to infections.
The strength of the ointment depends not only on the severity of the inflammation, but also on the part of the body affected. Therefore it should only be done in consultation with the dermatologist or the family doctor.

An alternative are calcineurin inhibitors, which can also be applied to the skin in the event of an intolerance to steroid ointments. Overall, fewer side effects are to be expected, but the costs are many times higher.

Read about this too Tannolact

Further therapy options for eczema

If the eczema is caused by an allergy, the trigger should be avoided in the future. Stress should also be reduced in a targeted manner, otherwise eczema will worsen or flare up again and again.

Humidifiers or a stay at the sea improve the complexion to some extent.
Antihistamines are drugs that are prescribed for itchy skin conditions to help relieve itching.

Steroids can also be taken as tablets if the ointment treatment is unsuccessful.

Immunosuppressants are only used as tablets in the most severe cases, for example in the context of atopic dermatitis. A combination with UV light therapy can also bring about an improvement.

Treatment with tar is often successful for chronic eczema, but the smell is very unpleasant. In addition, any sun exposure must be avoided during treatment in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer later.

Read more about the possibility of phototherapy

Home remedies for eczema

There are different opinions about the treatment of eczema with home remedies, homeopathy and natural remedies. Basically, every patient should try out what works best for him, but total diets and dietary supplements should be taken with caution on their own.

Citric acid is a home remedy that is often used against dry skin. The sliced ​​lemon is simply rubbed over the eczema to soften the keratinization. If the healing process is incomplete, i.e. if the skin is still a little open, burning pain occurs with this method.

What took away the itching with chickenpox can also help with eczema: a porridge made from oatmeal. The oatmeal is mixed with water and applied to the itchy areas.

Anti-inflammatory plants such as chamomile tea, calendula (Calendula) or oak bark as an ointment may prevent the use of a cortisone ointment.