What is eczema (dermatitis)?
Eczema (dermatitis) is one of the most common dermatological diseases and is an inflammatory skin condition that can be caused by a number of factors. The usual symptoms of eczema are swelling, redness of the skin, itching and peeling of the skin. Eczema is not contagious.
Where is it due to?
Endogenous etiology
- Atopic Dermatitis (see related text)
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis occurs frequently in both adults and infants. It is caused by the fungus Malasezia furfur or Pityrosporum Ovale. In infants it appears as red-yellow scales that form plaques on the head. In adults it can appear on the scalp in the form of dandruff, on the eyebrows, on the sides of the nose, on the sternum and on the back. The rash in these areas is red, scaly and itchy. Outbreaks of the disease are observed in winter and during times of stress. Seborrheic dermatitis is treated with topical corticosteroids, topical immunomodulators (calcineurin inhibitors) and special shampoos with antifungal activity.
Exogenous etiology
- Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis causes inflammation in the skin with the effect of factors that act as irritants on it, for a short or longer period of time. The most common irritants are water, detergents, soaps, cleaners, antiseptics, building materials, plant substances. It presents with itching, swelling and blisters. It also appears with papules, crusts and scaling. - Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is the inflammation caused after our skin comes into contact with certain substances (chemical or natural). Erythema may appear at the contact site or away from it. Substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis are very common in everyday life, and the genetically predisposed person has many opportunities to become sensitized. Some substances that can cause it are: nickel in jewelry, belt buckles, coins, resins, cosmetic ingredients, cement, topical medicinal preparations, plants, etc.
How is eczema (dermatitis) treated?
- Topical corticosteroid preparations (creams)
- Systemic steroids in severe cases (oral or even injectable)
- Topical immunomodulators (calcineurin inhibitors)
- Avoid contact with the allergen