What Are the Causes of Eczema?
Eczema is a severe inflammation of the skin caused by a variety of internal and external factors. It is divided into acute, subacute and chronic phases. Exudative tendency in acute phase, infiltration and hypertrophy in chronic phase. Some patients present directly with chronic eczema. Skin lesions are characterized by polymorphism, symmetry, pruritus, and recurrence.
- English name
- eczema
- Visiting department
- dermatology
- Multiple groups
- Children
- Common causes
- still uncertain
- Common symptoms
- Skin lesions are pleomorphic, mainly erythema, pimples, pimples, and severe itching
- Contagious
- no
Basic Information
Causes of eczema
- The etiology of eczema is complex and often results from internal and external causes. Internal factors such as chronic digestive system diseases, mental stress, insomnia, excessive fatigue, emotional changes, endocrine disorders, infections, metabolic disorders, etc. External factors such as living environment, climate change, food, etc. can affect the occurrence of eczema. External stimuli such as sunlight, cold, dryness, heat, hot water scalding, and various animal skins, plants, cosmetics, soaps, artificial fibers, etc. can be induced. It is a delayed allergic reaction caused by complex internal and external factors.
Clinical manifestations of eczema
- 1. Divided into acute, subacute, and chronic stages according to skin lesions.
- (1) Acute eczema skin lesions are mostly dense miliary-sized papules, papules, or small blisters, with basal flushing, and gradually merge into pieces. Due to scratching, the top of the pimples, papules, or blisters has obvious spots. Exudate and small eroded surface with unclear edges. Such as secondary infection, inflammation is more obvious, can form pustules, pustules, folliculitis, scabies and so on. Consciously severe itching. Occurs on the head and face, behind the ears, distal extremities, scrotum, perianal, etc., and is issued more symmetrically.
- (2) Subacute eczema After the inflammation of the acute eczema is reduced, the skin lesions are mainly small pimples, scabs, and scales, and only a small amount of papular herpes and erosion are seen. There is still severe itching.
- (3) Chronic eczema is often changed to chronic eczema due to repeated episodes of acute and subacute eczema; chronic eczema can also be started. Appears as thickened and infiltrated skin, brownish red or pigmented, rough surface, covered with scales, or scabby due to scratching. Consciously itching is intense. Common in the calf, hands, feet, cubital fossa, popliteal fossa, vulva, anus, etc. The course is uncertain, prone to relapse, and lasts forever.
- 2. According to the extent of skin lesion involvement, it is divided into two categories, localized eczema and generalized eczema.
- (1) Localized eczema occurs only in specific parts, that is, parts can be named, such as hand eczema, vulvar eczema, scrotal eczema, ear eczema, breast eczema, perianal eczema, calf eczema, etc.
- (2) Generalized eczema. There are many skin lesions, which are widespread or distributed in multiple parts of the body. Such as numismatic eczema, self-sensitive eczema, and fatal eczema.
Eczema diagnosis
- Mainly based on medical history, rash morphology and course. Generally, the skin lesions of eczema are polymorphic, with erythema, pimples, and papularis as the main cause. The rash is obvious in the center and gradually spreads to the surroundings. The course is irregular, recurrent, and itching is severe.
Eczema treatment
- The cause of eczema is complex, and it is easy to relapse after treatment is improved, which is difficult to cure. Due to the characteristics of clinical morphology and location, medication varies from person to person.
- 1. General prevention principles
- Look for possible causes, such as working environment, living habits, diet, hobbies, thoughts and emotions, as well as the presence of chronic lesions and internal organ diseases.
- 2. Internal therapy
- Use antihistamines to relieve itching, and use the two together or alternately if necessary. General eczema can be taken orally or by injection of glucocorticoids, but it should not be used for a long time.
- 3. Topical therapy
- Choose appropriate dosage forms and drugs according to skin lesions. Acute eczema local saline, 3% boric acid or 1: 2000 1: 10000 potassium permanganate solution, rinse, wet compress, calamine lotion convergence and protection. Subacute, chronic eczema should be treated with a suitable glucocorticoid cream, tar preparation or immunomodulator, such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus ointment. Secondary infections plus antibiotic preparations.
Eczema prevention
- 1. Avoid possible triggers.
- 2. Avoid all kinds of external stimuli, such as hot water washing, excessive scratching, cleaning and contact with potentially sensitive substances such as fur preparations. Less contact with chemical ingredients such as soap, washing powder, detergent, etc.
- 3. Avoid foods that may cause sensitization and irritation, such as peppers, strong tea, coffee, and alcohol.
- 4. Take medication under the guidance of a professional physician. [1]