Weeping eczema: treatment (more than 30 ointments, preparations), photos, symptoms on the arms and legs, 20 causes. New approaches to the treatment of the disease

Rating: 5 / 5 (1)

Author: Grachev Ilya Illarionovich Date of publication: 03/26/2019

All doctors of the clinic

Eczema on the legs can manifest itself in different ways, it all depends on its type and the cause of its development. This disease develops against the background of hereditary predisposition and the influence of a complex of external and internal factors. It is always problematic to accurately establish all the causes of a disease, but it still needs to be done, since eliminating the causes is the basis of successful treatment. They are excellent at treating eczema at the Moscow Paramita clinic.

Characteristics of the disease

The disease was first noticed before our era by the philosopher Democritus, who reflected in his writings its symptoms and recommendations for its treatment. Eczema, the causes of which are described in detail in this article, is a dermatological disease. And the English scientist Bateman spoke about it reliably and scientifically in 1780. Next, we will touch on such issues as symptoms of the disease, what dry and weeping eczema is, the causes and treatment of the disease, and we will conduct a short review of the most effective remedies.

Eczema, or neurodermatitis, is an inflammatory disease; it is not contagious and does not spread from one person to another. If left untreated, the disease can contribute to the development of more serious diseases such as herpes or impetigo. Many people suffering from this disease are bothered by eczema on their fingers, the causes of which are discussed below. With this manifestation of the disease, it is impossible to perform even the simplest housework; any touch brings pain and discomfort.

Prevention of eczema

It is impossible to cure eczema without eliminating the triggering factor. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the root cause of the disease. Patients with solar eczema need to spend less time in the sun and protect themselves from sunlight. To do this, you should wear clothes that cover your entire body as much as possible, and be sure to wear a hat.

It is extremely difficult to protect yourself from skin diseases, but you can reduce the risk of the disease. To do this, you need to purchase clothes made from natural fabrics, dyed with natural dyes, use cosmetics made from natural ingredients, avoid consuming products with preservatives, use household chemicals as little as possible, follow the rules of personal hygiene, lead a healthy lifestyle, and avoid contracting a fungal infection.

Although it is difficult to cure eczema, it is possible. It is important to take into account the duration of the disease, the general condition of the body and the state of the nervous system, the frequency of relapses, and the patient’s working and living conditions.

Symptoms of eczema

Eczema can develop anywhere on the body. In accordance with this, eczema is isolated on the hands, feet, face and other types of ailment. There are different types of the disease, each of which has differences regarding symptoms and causes.

It is necessary to visit a dermatologist's office if you notice the following symptoms:

• skin itching;
• the appearance of a red rash;
• dry and cracked skin;
• weeping purple spots;
• swelling of the face, arms or legs;
• blistering;
• skin irritation;
• burning sensation;
• redness of the scalp and face.

Most often, eczema is localized on the head, neck, forearms, elbows, legs, namely on the inner bends of the knees and ankles. Attacks of eczema, in which the symptoms of the disease intensify, can last from several hours to several days. Swelling, redness, blisters, severe itching - this is how eczema of the hands manifests itself. The causes of the disease are often unclear. Below we will take a closer look at the features of this form of eczema.

The most common form is atopic dermatitis, which often occurs in skin folds, producing a bright red, inflamed rash with scaling and severe itching. Try not to scratch the skin, as this can damage the epidermis layer and lead to infection in the blood.

Classification of eczema and its histological structure

Despite the fact that the disease has been known for a long time and diagnosis is not difficult, there is still no clear understanding of the etiology (causes and conditions) of its occurrence and there are no sufficiently effective methods for a complete cure. For this reason, classification cannot be based on an etiological factor.

Classification

Russian dermatovenerologists in practice adhere to a classification based on the characteristics of the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the pathology and according to which the following forms of eczema are distinguished:

1. Idiopathic (in the absence of visible objective factors that provoked it), or true, and dyshidrotic as its variety.
2. Microbial eczema and its variety - coin-shaped (numular) form.
3. Children's room.
4. Seborrheic.
5. Professional, which some experts consider it more correct to call contact.
6. Post-traumatic (not identified as a separate form by all dermatologists).

However, childhood eczema, characteristic of age-related development and accompanied by painful, severe itching, occurs without the formation of one of the main symptoms of eczema - serous “wells”. This symptom is also absent in the seborrheic form of the disease, which occurs against the background of seborrhea and is caused by a yeast-like oval fungus (Pityrosporumovale). Therefore, most experts classify childhood and seborrheic forms as atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, not eczema.

But there is no generally accepted classification, which is mainly due to the assumption that there is no single cause of eczema and the recognition of its polyetiology, that is, multi-causality.

Depending on the course, the following stages of the disease are distinguished:

• acute, which lasts for 2 months;
• subacute - a “milder” but protracted course lasting up to six months;
• chronic, occurring with relapses and remissions for an indefinitely long time.

The decision on how to treat eczema, that is, the choice of medications and the intensity of exposure, largely depends on the nature of the course and form of the disease.

Histological picture common to all forms

Despite the difference in forms of the disease, tissue sections of the affected area under a microscope have the same structure, which depends only on the severity of the disease.

The acute stage is characterized by intercellular and intracellular edema as a sign of an intense inflammatory process. This is expressed in the presence of nests of parakeratosis (impaired keratinization of epidermal cells) and leukocyte accumulations in the remaining tissue areas. In the epidermis, thickening of the stratum corneum (acanthosis), intercellular and intracellular edema are noted. The accumulation of serous fluid between cells in some places breaks the thin cellular connections, which leads to the formation of cavities filled with serous fluid, and the tissue resembles a water-filled sponge (spongiosis).

As a result of intracellular dystrophic processes, vacuoles (spaces) appear in cells filled with decayed cellular structures. Gradually, the vacuoles increase and fill the entire intracellular space. Such cells are first identified under a microscope in the form of clusters. They merge and form very small vesicles filled with cellular structures, as well as histiocytes and formed elements of blood cells - lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils.

As the bubbles increase in size, they become visible to the eye. They open up, forming so-called “serous wells”. The lymphatic and blood vessels in these areas are dilated, and the tissue around them is swollen (perivascular edema). Liquid with formed elements of blood additionally sweats through the walls of blood vessels. In the dense lamina bordering the epidermis and dermis, defects arise through which serous fluid in large quantities intensively flows from the edematous dermis into the epidermal layer (exocytosis) and then through the intercellular spaces of the epidermis into the “serous wells”, which is noted as weeping of the affected areas of the skin surface .

Subacute stage. It is characterized by a decrease in the intensity of the inflammatory process - the number of dilated vessels and perivascular edema decrease, single vesicles still remain, edema of the dermis and exocytosis persist, but they are less pronounced. Acanthosis becomes more clear-cut, and parakeratosis in the affected area becomes diffuse (widespread).

The chronic stage is accompanied by an even more significant decrease in perivascular edema, the number of histiocytes and blood cells in the dermis, pronounced acanthosis in the epidermis, increased cell division against the background of areas of parakeratosis, and the presence of small spongy zones. In addition, there is an excess number of capillaries and arterioles with thickened walls.

So, for all variants and stages of the disease, the following histological signs are inherent with varying severity:

• "serous wells";
• infiltations around small vessels;
• swelling of the dermis and epidermal layer;
• parakeratosis, spongiosis and acanthosis.

Acute form

Subacute form

Chronic form of eczema

Common causes of illness

There are types of eczema that do not have specific trigger factors. In such cases, the causes of eczema may be considered unexplored. If they are known, then the most common of them are:

• allergies to certain foods, such as milk or seafood;
• reaction to any medications;
• contact with plant pollen;
• stressful situations;
• excessive sweating;
• No less common is the cause of eczema, such as allergies to cosmetics, soap, aerosol substances (deodorants, air fresheners), household chemicals or jewelry;
• exposure to wool, silk or leather fabrics;
• disturbances in the functioning of the immune system;
• genetic factor.

For example, the causes of eczema on the hands are very often allergic in nature, associated with exposure to household chemicals. Surely there are those among you whose skin cannot tolerate contact with washing powder.

Another, rarer cause of eczema is changes in the weather, for example some people are susceptible to increased humidity. People with a family history of diseases such as asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, food allergies, keratosis, and ichthyosis vulgaris are also predisposed to the development of eczema.

According to some symptomatic manifestations on the skin, there are weeping and dry eczema, their causes may be different. Previously, the disease was considered to be genetically determined, and today the gene responsible for the appearance of the disease has even been found. But still, scientists believe that there are several more areas in the DNA molecule that can affect the development of eczema. It was also found that most often the disease is transmitted from mother to child as a result of changes during pregnancy or through breast milk.

What is eczema and its pathogenesis

Eczema is a chronic disease caused by inflammatory processes in the epidermis and dermis and characterized by:

• a large number of different provoking factors;
• many variants of rash, the elements of which are simultaneously at different stages of their development;
• a frequent tendency to frequent relapses and an increase in the severity of the clinical course;
• highly resistant to many therapeutic methods.

The pathogenesis (mechanisms of occurrence and development) of the disease is based on:

1. Polyvalent sensitization (reactive susceptibility) to allergenic factors. It is of predominant importance in the development of contact and microbial forms of eczema, which is confirmed by the positive results of skin allergy tests. In addition, such patients exhibit a relative deficiency of the immune system, resulting in a pathological chronic inflammatory response to microbial antigens.
2. Increased sensitivity to central and/or peripheral neurogenic stimuli. The role of the central nervous system is confirmed by the symmetry of skin lesions, itching, the occurrence of relapses after psychological stress and emotional stress, and the positive effect after hypnotherapy sessions. The occurrence or recurrence of the disease after injury or other strong mechanical, temperature or chemical irritation, as a result of dysfunction of the digestive system, liver, kidneys, indicates the participation of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system in the mechanisms of disease development. This connection is realized according to the type of viscero-cutaneous reflexes, that is, along a reflex arc connecting the skin with the spinal cord and with internal organs (irritation of internal organs is accompanied by a skin reaction).
3. Hereditary predisposition: the factors listed in the first and second paragraphs do not lead to a response from the body in the form of eczema in all people.

Causes of exacerbations

Classified as a skin disease, eczema is characterized by inflammation, itching, the appearance of dry scales, and in severe cases, insomnia and the formation of fluid-filled blisters. Today it is one of the most common skin diseases in children. Extreme forms of the disease can affect the entire body as a whole, bringing not only a lot of unpleasant sensations and discomfort, but also destroying a person’s psychological stability. People suffering from eczema are familiar firsthand with relapses of the disease, when all the symptoms worsen and literally ruin their lives.

There are many things that can trigger relapses and complications. Let's look at the most common of them.

1. The most common cause of eczema, or rather its exacerbations, is emotional stress. Anger, frustration, anxiety, family quarrels, rejection and guilt can increase symptoms.
2. Dry eczema on the hands is common, the causes of which are often hidden in the use of washing powder and soap, which lead to exacerbations. The only way to avoid this is to use gloves when doing housework and choose environmentally friendly detergents that do not cause allergies, that is, without dyes, fragrances and other additives.
3. Allergens in food and air can also cause eczema to worsen. Products that provoke relapses of the disease most often include:

• eggs;
• milk;
• soy;
• nuts;
• citrus;
• chocolate;
• strawberries

All kinds of infections, both viral and bacterial, can also lead to relapses of the disease. When the immune system is weakened by a medical condition, people with eczema become susceptible to flare-ups. A properly selected diet, ventilation and the use of air purifiers help keep the disease under control. In addition, skin condition can improve significantly in the summer months due to exposure to solar radiation and worsen during the cold season, especially in winter, when the air becomes dry and there is not enough light.

Diet for eczema

When treating eczema, the patient’s diet plays an important role.

It must be strictly individualized depending on the patient's weight.

Exhausted patients should receive sufficient amounts of fats and carbohydrates, obese patients should adhere to a diet with limited fats and carbohydrates, and eat only fruits on “fruit days.” Older people should limit their meat consumption and eat more plant foods. The diet of a patient with eczema must contain the required amount of vitamins, especially in the spring months there should be enough vitamin C. If there are manifestations of hypovitaminosis, patients are prescribed vitamin concentrates.

Patients who are genetically predisposed to allergic diseases should, if possible, reduce or even completely eliminate the following foods from their diet: citrus fruits, strawberries, bananas, peppers, corn, crabs, processed foods, fatty pork and lamb meats, sweets and baked goods ( You can use whole grain bread). You should eat healthy foods such as beets, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, melon, watermelon, black currants, raspberries, and sea buckthorn. Fruits can be eaten only if there is no allergy and only if the disease is chronic.

When the disease worsens, ulcers and blisters with liquid open, a strict diet is simply necessary. It is acceptable to eat boiled fish or chicken, water-based porridge, vegetable soups, and freshly squeezed carrot or beet juice. At this time, you should exclude salty, smoked and spicy foods, onions, garlic, eggs, milk (but not fermented milk products). It is imperative to drink water and juices, regardless of the form of the disease. And tea, coffee, and alcohol should not be consumed until complete recovery.

Eczema affects 40-50% of people. Most people get sick in childhood, when the immune system is not yet fully formed. Therefore, in order to avoid the appearance of dermatitis, and then eczema, parents should strictly follow the recommendations of pediatricians when introducing complementary foods. A child up to six months should not be given tomatoes, before a year - bread, and up to 7 years - liver and mushrooms. By violating these rules, parents increase the chance of their child developing dermatitis, or even eczema; an allergy to foods may develop; the immune system will not be complete.

Diagnostics

In order to make a correct diagnosis, your doctor must conduct an examination. A conversation and review of your medical history can often help your doctor determine the cause of your eczema. Symptoms of the disease can be similar to those of ordinary drug allergies or various infections, so diagnosing eczema is a complex and careful process. In particular, a biopsy may be required to exclude other, more serious skin pathologies. If you suffer from contact eczema, it will be detected by a regular patch test or allergy test, which is carried out to determine the specific trigger that caused the rash. In addition to these diagnostic tools, special blood tests are also performed to make a more accurate conclusion about the nature of the disease.

Types of eczema

There is no single classification of eczema. However, the clinical as well as pathogenetic features of the disease make it possible to distinguish the most common forms of eczema:

1. True eczema:

• Idiopathic;
• Dyshidrotic;
• Pruriginous;
• Horny.

1. Microbial eczema:

• Numular;
• Mycotic;
• Intertriginous;
• Varicose;
• Sycosiform;
• Eczema of the nipples.

1. Seborrheic eczema;
2. Occupational eczema;
3. Children's eczema.

We recommend reading: Eczema in a child: causes, symptoms, treatment

Types of eczema

There are different types of eczema, which differ in the nature of their symptoms and cause of occurrence. The most common type is atopic dermatitis. It is always caused by external factors and is manifested by the appearance of red, inflamed areas on the skin. This type of eczema worsens when exposed to any allergens or other environmental influences. Symptoms of atopic eczema often affect parts of the body where there are skin folds, such as the elbows, knees, neck, face, especially the area around the eyes. The development of this form of the disease is influenced by the presence in the family of a tendency to develop various allergic diseases, including asthma, hay fever. Probably the most unpleasant manifestation of the atopic form of the disease is eczema on the face. The reasons for it are varied. Atopic dermatitis accounts for almost half of eczema cases and affects both women and men equally often. Moreover, the disease is considered the most persistent form of eczema and is difficult to treat. In children, it develops more often in the first year of life and can often disappear on its own with age.

Causes of eczema

Eczema is a polyetiological disease. It is generally accepted that eczema is provoked by the complex effects of neuroallergic, endocrine, metabolic, and external factors. In general, the following causes of eczema are distinguished:

• Genetic predisposition;
• Endocrine diseases (pathology of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands);
• Diseases of the digestive tract;
• Stress, depression;
• Occupational factors (exposure to chromium, formaldehyde, nickel);
• Household irritants (detergents, cosmetics);
• Poor blood supply to the legs with varicose veins;
• Violation of the integrity of the skin (abrasions, wounds).

Contact eczema

Contact dermatitis, or eczema, occurs when the skin comes into contact with a specific allergen or irritant. These are almost always localized skin lesions, and if you have already had an allergy of this kind, for example, urticaria, then there is a high probability that, of all types of eczema, you may develop contact eczema. This type of disease is divided into two types:

• allergic contact eczema;
• irritant contact eczema.

The allergic form can be caused by exposure to perfumes, hair dyes, glues, various other substances in contact with the skin, as well as jewelry containing nickel. Irritant eczema develops when in contact with substances that damage the surface of the skin, in most cases these are disinfectants, detergents, cleaners and washing powders.

What are the types of skin eczema: classification of the disease in children and adults

According to the medical classification, eczema disease is divided into types as follows:

1. True
2. Professional
3. Microbial
4. Seborrheic
5. Children's

Photos of types of eczema and treatment results are presented below - look for detailed information:

The true type of the disease (or idiopathic) is characterized by the appearance of exudative rashes on the arms, legs and torso. This form tends to rapidly develop into a chronic disease.

The rash appears in the form of small (up to 0.5 cm) slightly round vesicles. When they rupture, purulent masses leak out, and when they harden, dry crusts form on the surface of the skin.

Some types of illness have their own varieties. So, the subtypes of true eczema:

• Dyshidrotic
• Horny
• Pruriginous

The dyshidrotic variety of the true form is characterized by a predominant localization of skin lesions in the area of ​​​​the back of the hands, the inner part of the phalanges of the fingers and feet. The rash can be either single or paired pimples.

Horny eczema is also known as tylotic or callosal disease. The location of skin lesions is the surface of the palms and soles. A characteristic feature is the formation of a callus layer in areas where the skin is damaged. As a rule, when infected, severe itching and burning are observed.

Pruriginous eczema is a skin disease that is a variation of the true type of the disease. It is characterized by the appearance of papules and vesicles in dense areas of the skin. Most often, skin lesions appear in the folds of the arms and legs, face and groin folds.

The peculiarity of this subspecies is that pimples do not burst and do not form wounds, but simply create areas of rough, dry skin. The itching is periodic, worsening, as a rule, in the warm season. This type of disease most often occurs in a chronic form.

Occupational eczema occurs in people who work in contact with allergens. Nickel salts, chromium, formaldehydes, dyes, and so on can act as provocateurs. Workers in chemical, pharmaceutical and engineering industries are at risk of infection.

Excessive humidity or dry air, dust, and occupational injuries aggravate the symptoms of the disease. Skin lesions primarily occur at sites of direct contact with the allergen, and then spread over the entire surface of the body.

This type of disease is characterized by the appearance of redness on the skin, itching, weeping and the formation of compacted areas of the skin with cracks. As a rule, the disease is chronic.

Microbial eczema most often occurs in places where trophic ulcers, wounds, fistulas, abrasions and scratches develop. In infected areas of the skin, redness, blisters and papules appear. With further development of the disease, erosions, yellow-green or bloody crusts form at the sites where the pimples have opened.

This type of disease is characterized by the appearance of skin lesions of an asymmetrical shape, with clear outlines of the boundaries of the lesions, a small “side” along the edge of the inflamed areas, and the development of pyodermic processes.

What are the types of microbial eczema:

1. Numular
2. Mycotic
3. Intertriginous
4. Paratraumatic
5. Sycosiform
6. Varicose
7. Peripapillary

Numular (coin-shaped, plaque) microbial eczema is characterized by the appearance of rounded foci of inflammation on the extremities of the arms and legs, swelling, redness, and the formation of papules, vesicles and crusts. The diameter of skin lesions can reach 2-3 cm.

Mycotic microbial eczema develops against the background of infection with fungal infections (mycosis, lichen, candidiasis, etc.). In addition to eczema manifestations of the disease, signs of a mycotic process develop in parallel.

Intertriginous microbial eczema is a skin disease in children and adults that affects folds on the body (inguinal, axillary, etc.). This type is characterized by the formation of papules and vesicles, cracks, weeping areas, redness, itching and pain. Develops as a result of increased sensitivity.

Paratraumatic microbial eczema occurs in places where layers of skin come into contact (armpits, inguinal folds, etc.).

This type is characterized by the appearance of papules and vesicles, redness, cracks, weeping areas, crusts, itching and pain. Develops against the background of excessive sensitivity of the body to pyococcus or yeast fungi.

The sycosiform variety of the microbial disease develops in people suffering from chronic inflammation of the hair follicle (sycosis).

This variety is characterized by the appearance of pustules, riddled with hair in inflamed areas of the skin, blisters, the rupture of which results in erosion. The lesions are usually localized in the area of ​​the beard, pubis, upper lip, armpits, and the like.

Varicose microbial eczema develops against the background of the spread of varicose veins. Foci of the inflammatory process are localized in areas of venous disease, have clear boundaries, and the formation of papules, vesicles, pustules, crusts, and the like is observed in the reddened areas.

The peripapillary microbial type of disease develops in nursing mothers as a result of damage to the skin of the breast. This type is characterized by the appearance of redness, peeling, the formation of crusts and cracks, and the process of weeping.

Signs and symptoms characteristic of seborrheic eczema appear in the area behind the ears, on the face, chest, shoulder blades and scalp.

Foci of inflammation are presented in the form of red spots covered with yellow crusts. As the disease develops on the head, the hair looks stuck together and greasy, and a large number of exfoliated particles of epithelium can be observed on the surface of the skin.

The childhood type of the disease is characterized by pronounced exudative lesions of the skin. As a rule, it develops when the parents have the disease. Infection in infancy is most often called “diathesis.”

This is one of the most common skin lesions found in young children. Foci of inflammation are localized on the arms, scalp, face and legs. A mixed type of disease may occur.

The most common types of eczema that occur in children are represented by the following list:

• True
• Seborrheic
• Microbial

According to the severity of the disease, a number of stages are distinguished. Stages of development of eczema:

1. Erythematous
2. Papular
3. Vesicular
4. getting wet
5. Crustose
6. Squamous

• The erythematous (initial) stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of redness, itching and swelling in some areas of the skin
• The papular stage or nodular stage is characterized by the formation of pinkish growths on reddened areas of the skin
• The vesicular stage begins with the formation of transparent (or yellow) liquid contents in the growths
• The weeping stage is characterized by the leakage of serous contents and the formation of erosions, cracks and wounds
• The crustose stage is characterized by the formation of dry crusts and scales on damaged areas of the skin
• The squamous stage of the disease occurs when dry crusts fall off and scaly areas heal.

Look at the photos of the stages of eczema development below:

The full cycle of disease development can span from 2 days to several months.

To determine the causes of eczema and prescribe treatment, a number of simple tests are performed:

• General blood analysis
• Sample of the stratum corneum
• Test to determine the atopic form of the disease
• Histological examination of the biopsy specimen

The keratinized scales are sampled to exclude the possibility of fungal or infectious infection.

A test to determine the atopic form of the disease is carried out using various types of allergens, which makes it possible to identify the provocateur of the allergic reaction. Biopsy specimens are rarely examined to exclude autoimmune factors.

Seborrheic form

There is another type of disease - seborrheic. What is the cause of this type of eczema? What factors influence its development? In most cases, it occurs against a background of weakened immunity, and modern doctors consider it as a disease of infectious-allergic etiology, to which persons of any gender are equally susceptible. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms, namely staphylococci, fungi of the genus Candida and Pityrosporum, is almost always detected in the lesions. Very often, seborrheic eczema develops as a consequence of seborrhea (skin pathology expressed in hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands). In addition, this form can occur in patients with AIDS. Often the causes of this type of eczema are previous chronic diseases, frequent colds and acute respiratory diseases, severe liver pathologies, as well as malfunctions of the endocrine system, such as diabetes. Sometimes vegetative-vascular dystonia also affects. With seborrheic eczema, the skin of the scalp, especially the scalp, is primarily affected.

Causes of eczema in children and adults

The main cause of eczema in children and adults is the body's hypersensitivity to allergens.

When antigens enter it, antibodies form in response entire “antigen-antibody” complexes, which, when interacting, cause the release of biologically active substances that contribute to the development of the inflammatory process.

Symptoms of eczema can be caused by exposure to allergens such as:

• Various types of food colorings and dietary supplements
• Chemicals and Personal Care Products
• Food
• Medicines (“Penicillin”, “Novocaine”, etc.)
• Cosmetics
• Worms
• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Insect bites
• Animal fur
• Dust and mold spores
• Plant pollen
• sunlight
• Costume jewelry and some metals
• Hypothermia

The risk of illness due to internal disorders cannot be excluded:

• Pathology of the liver or kidneys
• Digestive tract disorders
• Hormonal imbalance in the body
• Diabetes
• Nervous system diseases

The cause of eczema and its development can be a number of factors:

1. Weak immunity
2. Tendency to allergies
3. Endocrine system diseases
4. Stress
5. Chronic inflammatory infections

According to statistics, pathology most often develops in disorders of the nervous and endocrine systems, chronic infections and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Among food products, allergic effects are caused by:

• Sweets
• Smoked meats
• Carbonated drinks
• Nuts
• Eggs
• Chocolate
• Pickles
• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruit

Doctors believe that the main cause of eczema in childhood is a genetic tendency. Often, if parents are infected, the risk of the disease in offspring increases by 40%.

However, for the development of symptoms of the disease, contributing factors are necessary:

• Stressful situations
• Allergic reactions to skin care products
• Food allergies
• Diseases of internal organs
• Metabolic disease
• Lack of beneficial microelements
• Teenage hormonal changes

At the age of up to 6 months, a common cause of eczema is weak, immature immunity and the baby’s delicate skin. With the onset of adolescence, hormonal changes occur in the body, which can trigger the occurrence of the disease in both girls and boys.

The cause of the development of eczema in infants may be the use of medications or specific products by the baby's mother. After all, exposure to allergens is easily transmitted through breastfeeding milk.

Eczema on legs

As mentioned above, the disease can manifest itself in different parts of the body. Eczema on the legs also occurs. The reasons may be related to certain diseases. The two most common options are presented below.

• Varicose eczema affects the skin in places where dilated veins are present: on the ankles, legs, and less often above the knees. Often both legs are affected. This form of the disease often occurs in older people, especially women.
• Dyshidrotic eczema occurs on the soles of the feet and palms. Symptoms of this type include scaly, yellowish patches on the skin and are often a seasonal reaction to the weather or exposure to allergens.

Symptoms of the disease

The cause of eczema is delayed-type hypersensitivity. However, with aggressive exposure to chemicals or drugs, the disease develops as an immediate type of hypersensitivity, when symptoms occur soon after exposure to the irritating factor. Regardless of the mechanism of development, eczema occurs with characteristic symptoms.

True eczema

The first manifestation of the disease is redness of the skin area.
Small blisters soon appear on the surface of the affected skin. In the center of the eczematous focus, the vesicles open, erosions form, from which serous exudate flows. This is how areas of weeping appear on the skin, and when the exudate dries, crusts form. Subsequently, the crusts fall off and the skin begins to peel off. Then depigmented spots appear in this area, which soon disappear. In addition to blisters, papules and pustules may appear on the skin. A very characteristic sign of eczema is the alternation of affected eczematous areas of the skin with unchanged ones. The rashes are symmetrical and appear on the face, limbs, and torso. The pathological process is accompanied by very pronounced itching, which greatly bothers the person.

Pruriginous eczema

Refers to a type of true eczema. This form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of small papules and vesicles on a compacted base, which do not burst and do not form erosive surfaces.

Rashes often appear on the face, extensor and flexor surfaces of the limbs, and in the groin area. The disease is chronic.

As a result of a long course of the pathological process, constant scratching, the skin in the affected areas becomes rougher, drier, and rougher.

The itching becomes paroxysmal, reaching a pronounced intensity, even preventing a person from sleeping. The disease often worsens in summer and subsides in winter.

Dyshidrotic eczema

This form of the disease, like the previous one, also refers to the manifestation of true eczema. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small dense blisters on the lateral surfaces of the fingers, less often on the skin of the feet and palms. The bubbles can open, forming erosions, or dry out, forming yellowish crusts. Subsequently, sharply demarcated lesions with severe inflammatory symptoms appear on the skin. This form of the disease is also accompanied by severe itching.

Horny eczema

This form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of areas of hyperkeratosis (thickening of the epidermis) on the skin of the palms and soles. The appearance of eczematous blisters is not typical; instead, multiple calluses and then cracks form on the skin. The disease entails not only aesthetic, but also physical problems. Cracks in the feet and hands are painful, making it difficult for the patient to move or do anything with his hands.

Medicines

The following types of medications are used to treat eczema:

• internal and external antihistamines;
• creams and ointments with glucocorticosteroids;
• antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications;
• emollient creams.

The most common form of treatment for eczema remains the use of steroid-based creams or ointments. They are designed to reduce inflammation and prevent future flare-ups. However, it is worth remembering that long-term use of steroid creams is not recommended, and only a dermatologist should prescribe such products.

Emollients and moisturizers should be used several times a day, even after the main symptoms of eczema have almost disappeared. Topical steroids - Hydrocortisone, Neosporin and others - can quickly control the manifestations of eczema, soothe inflammation and itching, reduce the risk of infection and heal the skin. Such drugs are available in the form of ointments, creams and lotions.

Weeping eczema often develops, the causes of which in most cases are nervous tension and diseases, among which diabetes mellitus and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland are in the first place. With this form of the disease, swelling and rashes appear on the skin in the form of papules and vesicles, when damaged, the affected areas begin to become wet. The main treatments for weeping eczema are antihistamines (Promethazine, Acrivastine) and corticosteroids, such as Prednisolone.

Idiopathic form

Symptoms of eczema

The main feature of this most common form of eczema is the absence of clinically detectable pathogenetic components. Usually, only precipitating factors can be identified. Eczematous lesions can be multiple and isolated, even solitary.

They are localized in any area of ​​the skin and have different sizes, sometimes affecting large areas.

Acute stage of idiopathic eczema

The clinical picture is a reflection of the stages of the process. The acute stage, in turn, is also conventionally divided into stages:

1. Erythematous , starting with the appearance of pinkish-red spots. Their number and size quickly increase, they merge with each other, forming a widespread, moderately swollen, intense redness (erythema) of an inflammatory nature, which slightly rises above the surface of the skin.
2. Papular - small, swollen, pasty consistency and pinkish colored nodules (papules) appear in the area of ​​the erythematous spot and around it.
3. Vesicular is the stage of transformation of a papular rash into a vesicular one. The papules fill with clear, sterile serous fluid and turn into vesicles. The latter open up, revealing a bright red erosive surface.
4. Wet stage . Erosions are called eczematous “serous wells” because they constantly secrete serous fluid. Gradually, the “serous wells” merge. Remaining isolated, which is noticeable upon careful visual examination, they, at the same time, unite into bright red lesions without a stratum corneum. The base of the lesions is raised due to swelling and does not have clear outlines. From the lesions themselves, serous fluid is intensively and abundantly released, soaking underwear and bandages.
5. Crustosis , characterized by the extinction of inflammation, the cessation of the formation of new vesicular elements, the drying out of the weeping surface of the lesions and the formation of yellowish translucent thin crusts, into which the remaining blisters are also transformed. If a staphylococcal infection occurs and purulent admixture and blood appear, the crusts become cloudy with a corresponding yellow or brown color.
6. Squamous, or scaly . Gradually, the epithelial stratum corneum under the crusts is restored, and the latter disappear. The lesions acquire a bluish-pink color, their surface is covered with pityriasis-like small flaky scales. Subsequently, peeling ceases and the normal coloring of the skin surface is restored, which indicates the final completion of the acute stage and the onset of remission.

This description is schematic. The dynamic development (evolution) from initial erythema to crusts and scales and the presence of elements at different stages of development on one eczematous area is called “evolutionary polymorphism.” That is, within the boundaries of the entire outbreak as a whole there is no clear sequence of stages. They are layered one on top of the other: on the edematous erythematous surface of the lesion, “serous wells”, papular and vesicular rashes, crusts, peeling and cleared areas simultaneously coexist.

All stages, except the 4th, are accompanied by slight or moderate itching and a burning sensation. At stage 4, the stratum corneum is rejected, and sometimes partly the granular layer is rejected. Therefore, the feeling of itching during the period of weeping is replaced by pain.

The addition of a staphylococcal or streptococcal infection is a common complication, leading to suppuration and the formation of massive purulent yellowish crusts.

In addition, the course of the acute process may be abortive (interrupted) in nature, that is, it may occur inconsistently, bypassing one, two or more stages. For example, the erythema stage can immediately turn into scaly. The stage of severity, depending on which drugs for the treatment of eczema are selected, is determined by the predominance of certain elements in the lesions.

Subacute stage

Acute eczema rarely ends in complete recovery. As a rule, within 1.5 - 2 months it transforms into subacute. The contours of the lesions become distinct, weeping and swelling are insignificant or completely absent, and the pinkish-bluish color loses its brightness. A skin pattern of varying severity appears on the surface of the lesions; a few elements (crusts, vesicles and papules) remain.

Chronic stage

Within an average of six months, the subacute stage becomes chronic with an indefinitely long course. Sometimes it occurs unnoticed, bypassing the acute and subacute phases of development. Its foci are characterized by:

• clarity of the outlines and density of the lesion when palpated;
• cyanosis (bluish color) with a light pink tint;
• implausible skin pattern of the lesion surface;
• absence of weeping and swelling;
• the presence of separate groups of vesicular and papular elements, bloody crusts and fine-plate scales.

In all stages, acute, subacute or chronic, new lesions may appear near or far from existing lesions. Both chronic and subacute periods of the disease occur with phases of remission and relapse. The symptoms of exacerbations are the same as during the acute stage.

Dyshidrotic eczema

It is characterized by localization of lesions only in the area of ​​​​the palms and plantar surfaces of the feet. The peculiarities of its symptoms are due to the significantly greater thickness of the epidermal layers, especially the stratum corneum, compared to other parts of the body. Clinical features include:

1. Mild erythema.
2. Significant size of vesicles (up to 4-5 mm), having a dense tire.
3. Grouping of vesicular elements with the formation of small foci.
4. Merging of bubbles into single cavities with multiple chambers.
5. “Collar” of the stratum corneum around the eczematous lesion.

Treatment of eczema on hands

Why does eczema appear on the hands? The causes of this form of the disease are often complex, and the determining factor is an allergic reaction. At the same time, the sources of the allergen are diverse. Let's name the main causes of eczema on the hands:

• insect bites;
• skin contact with cosmetics, household chemicals, jewelry;
• exposure to dust, allergies to animal hair, flowers;
• reactions to certain foods or medications;
• constant nervous tension;
• infection present in the body.

How is eczema on the hands treated? The causes of occurrence influence the choice of treatment methods. Eliminating the factor that causes skin lesions is important. For example, if the disease is caused by some kind of infection, the dermatologist prescribes medications to eliminate the source of infection - antibiotics or antifungal drugs. In addition, to cope with relapses of eczema on the hands, you must:

• eliminate sources of stress, observe a work and rest schedule, since the illness can be triggered by banal overexertion, lack of sleep and worries;
• if you have allergies, take antihistamines orally, for example, Suprastin;
• externally use creams or ointments to eliminate symptoms (mostly ointments containing glucocorticosteroids) and to soften the skin of the hands.

Seborrheic eczema

Lesions appear in the face, behind the ear, chest, between the shoulder blades, and also on the scalp.
The appearance of vesicles and oozing in patients with this form of the disease is very rare. Seborrheic eczema is characterized by the appearance of reddish spots covered with greasy yellow scales. Abundant greasy scales appear on the head, the hair roots look greasy and stuck together. We recommend reading: Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Traditional medicine

Nature has given humanity a whole laboratory of natural medicines. There are many home recipes you can use to treat eczema. To soften and soothe irritated skin, apply a paste made from banana pulp, crushed aloe vera leaves and honey to the affected areas three times a day. These natural ingredients reduce inflammation and itching.

Lavender, coconut, and castor oils can also be useful, half a teaspoon of which should be mixed with 300 ml of warm water. Soak your hands in this oil bath every day to speed up the healing process and soften the skin. If other areas of the body are affected by eczema, then using this product you can make compresses and hold them for 30 minutes.

A recipe containing lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and olive oil helps relieve redness and swelling. Just lubricate the affected areas with this mixture. A very effective mixture is prepared from camphor (1 tbsp) and essential sandalwood oil (3-4 drops). Apply it to your skin until your eczema symptoms subside. Another good combination is a mixture of turmeric powder and water or nutmeg powder and water. If the itching is very severe, you should not scratch the skin, but you can alleviate the condition by applying gauze soaked in cold water. Keep the compress on the skin for half an hour; this not only relieves itching, but also helps reduce swelling.

Witch hazel extract has the property of reducing inflammation and preventing flaking. You can use this to treat eczema by using a cream containing such an ingredient, but it is best to go to a homeopathic pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for a tincture of this plant. It is usually available in large bottles of 400 or 900 ml. To combat the symptoms of eczema on your feet, add three to four tablespoons of the product to warm water and use this solution as a foot bath before bed.

Cream ointments that are used to treat eczema

Boric ointment Pantestin ointment Ointment with propolis Aurobin Ichthyol ointment Dermovate ointment Vishnevsky ointment Bezornil ointment

Akriderm cream Losterin cream

Naftaderm ointment

Radevit ointment Diprosalik Flucinar ointment

Eczema in pets

The disease occurs not only in humans. There is eczema in dogs, the most common causes of which are:

• lack of proper hygiene;
• parasites;
• ingress of chemical compounds;
• mechanical damage to the skin, for example, rubbing with a collar;
• diet depleted of vitamins and nutrients;
• chronic diseases;
• excess weight of the animal.

To treat your pet, be sure to contact a veterinary clinic, since trying to solve the problem yourself can only cause harm. An experienced specialist will carefully examine the dog, do the necessary tests and prescribe appropriate treatments.

Eczema

I

Eczema (eczema; Greek ekzema rash on the skin)

chronic inflammatory disease of the superficial layers of the skin of a neuro-allergic nature; characterized by polymorphism of rashes, a tendency to weep and a persistent course.

Etiology and pathogenesis. With E. the reactivity of the body is impaired; Patients have a pronounced skin reaction to normal influences that do not cause any changes in other people. The eczematous process is based on increased sensitivity (sensitization) of the skin to various exogenous and endogenous irritants. The pathogenesis of E. is very similar to the pathogenesis of allergic dermatitis, which often precedes E. In contrast to allergic dermatitis, sensitization in the main forms of E. is polyvalent. The allergic theory of E. is confirmed by the results of allergological and immunological studies (the presence of sensitization to various allergens, changes in the functional activity of immunocompetent cells, an increase in the content of circulating immune complexes and some immunoglobulins in the blood). The development of professional E. is caused by sensitization to an industrial allergen, and microbial sensitization to pyococci. In the most common type, true E., the main role is apparently played by autoimmune disorders (processes of autosensitization, autoallergy). Neurogenic factors (mental trauma, nervous strain, vegetative-vascular dystonia), endocrinopathies (diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism), as well as diseases such as gastritis, colitis, cholecystopancreatitis are of great importance in the development of the eczematous process. A genetic predisposition to eczematous reactions often plays a decisive role. Constant risk factors for E. are exogenous irritants, especially of a chemical nature.

Clinical picture. E. is characterized by an abundance of clinical forms and variants. In most cases, the eczematous process occurs in successive stages. Thus, the initial (erythematous) stage of E. is characterized by diffuse, itchy redness of the skin without clear boundaries. In the second (papular) stage, small edematous nodules are noted against the background of erythema, or the lesion transforms into an edematous plaque. Due to the continuing increase in edema, the nodules turn into small blisters, which is typical for the next stage - the vesicular stage of E. Under the pressure of the inflammatory exudate accumulating in the skin, the blisters burst, in their place small (point) erosions appear, from which serous fluid constantly flows ("serous wells"). This condition is most typical for E. and is the pinnacle of development of the eczematous process; it is called the weeping stage (the old name for eczema is “wetting lichen”). The origin of the term “eczema” is also associated with this stage (the analogy with a boiling liquid when bursting bubbles form). The serous exudate that dries on the surface of the lesion forms a layering of crusts, which is characteristic of the crustose (crusted) stage of E. After the crusts fall off against the background of congestive erythema, moderate peeling in the form of small whitish scales (squamous stage) persists for a long time, then the skin takes on a normal appearance. The described cycle of development of the eczematous process lasts from several days to several months. E. is characterized by polymorphism of precipitating elements, i.e. At the same time, different stages of the process are represented in the lesion. The stage is determined by the number of discharge elements of a certain type.

When the initial lesion is less than 2 months old. E. is called acute; a weeping state is typical for it ( Fig. 1 ). In the case of a prolonged course (from 2 to 6 months), when swelling and weeping are less pronounced, we speak of subacute E. The main forms of E. are distinguished by a tendency to a persistent, long-term recurrent course in the form of successive periods of exacerbations and subsidence of the process, which characterizes chronic E. In all forms of E., skin itching is observed.

The main clinical forms of E. are true, occupational, microbial, and seborrheic.

True eczema ( Fig. 2 ) is the most common. It is characterized by a persistent wave-like course, successive changes in the eczematous process, unclear etiological factors, polyvalent sensitization, polymorphism of eruptive elements, symmetry of their location, localization of lesions on any part of the body (mainly on the back of the hands, feet) and the prevalence of the lesion, resistance to therapy, tendency to recur frequently. There is often a genetic predisposition,

True E., which is localized on the skin of the palms and soles, characterized by a significant thickness of the epidermis, is usually characterized by slight coloring of inflammatory foci, large and dense blisters to the touch, sometimes merging into multi-chamber blisters - dyshidrotic E. ( Fig. 3 ).

Occupational (contact) eczema is characterized by monovalent sensitization and an easily identified etiological factor. It occurs and worsens only when exposed to the industrial allergen that caused it. Usually it is limited in nature, localized in areas of the body accessible to contact with the occupational allergen (for example, hands, forearms, face, neck). Professional E. has a favorable course, quickly regresses and does not recur after eliminating contact with the allergen that caused it. The diagnosis is confirmed by skin testing with an industrial allergen. Exacerbation of true E. under the influence of occupational hazards does not give reason to consider it an occupational disease, because it can develop as a result of exposure to many other factors, and often for no apparent reason.

Microbial eczema is usually caused by skin sensitization to pyococcal flora. It is characterized by asymmetry of localization, acute course, association with foci of pyoderma, fistulas and ulcers, abundant pustulization and purulent crusts, often rounded outlines and sharp boundaries of the lesions ( Fig. 4 ).

Seborrheic eczema is observed against the background of seborrhea; the process begins with the scalp ( Fig. 5, a ), then moves to the face, back ( Fig. 5, b ), and chest area. This form of E. is characterized by the absence of pronounced weeping, blurred boundaries of the lesions, layering of fatty scales, and constant itching of the skin. Seborrheic eczema can be complicated by pyoderma in the form of folliculitis, furunculosis, impetigo. This is facilitated by numerous scratches during paroxysmal severe itching.

The diagnosis is made based on the characteristic clinical picture. When E. is localized on the palms and soles, a differential diagnosis is made with Rubromycosis, athlete's foot (athlete's foot), examining scales from the lesions for pathogenic fungi. In the diagnosis of occupational E., allergic skin tests play a major role.

Treatment in most cases is a difficult problem, because... Each patient has his own set of etiological and pathogenetic factors, without correction of which one cannot expect a full therapeutic effect. It is advisable to treat generalized and weeping lesions in a dermatological hospital. It depends on the clinical form and stage of the disease. In all cases, especially in the stages of vesiculation and oozing, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the treatment regimen, which provides for maximum protection of the skin from the effects of external irritants; Washing is prohibited (if necessary, the skin is cleaned with cotton swabs soaked in vegetable oil), laundry, cleaning of premises using detergents, as well as the use of linen made of synthetic and woolen fabrics. To prevent pustular complications, it is necessary to cut your nails short and lubricate the periungual folds with an aqueous solution of brilliant green. Frequent changes of underwear and bed linen and periodic quartzing of premises are recommended. As the process subsides, the regime is softened, but the patient should always avoid rough washing of the skin; A warm bath is allowed (at first without soap), the skin is dried with blotting movements, the towel should be soft. Even after healing, it is not recommended to use a cold or contrast shower for hardening purposes, followed by rubbing with a rough towel.

It is necessary to strictly follow a hypoallergenic diet during the period of active clinical manifestations and for six months after treatment. Spicy, smoked and salted foods, alcoholic drinks, canned food, citrus fruits, honey, coffee, chocolate, spices, aromatic herbs are prohibited; limit sweets. Fasting days and short-term fasting are useful.

Correction of concomitant diseases is recommended, primarily those that cause the particular severity and persistent course of E. in a given patient. In case of occupational eczema, after an appropriate expert opinion, new employment of the patient is necessary.

General treatment of E. in the acute stage involves the prescription of antihistamines, sedatives (infusion of valerian, bromides, etc.), anticholinergics (for example, bellataminal), tranquilizers, calcium supplements, ascorbic acid, and for severe edema - diuretics (hypothiazide or furosemide in the morning, veroshpiron 3-4 times a day). In case of generalized damage, persistent course, along with the listed drugs, in the absence of contraindications, glucocorticoids are prescribed in medium doses, followed by their gradual withdrawal after achieving the full therapeutic effect. For chronic E., repeated courses of acupuncture are useful.

Local treatment depends on the stage of the eczematous process. In the weeping stage, cold lotions are used from astringent and disinfectant solutions (2% boric acid solution, furatsilin 1:5000, ethacridine lactate 1:2000, Burov's liquid - 1 teaspoon per glass of water, 0.25% silver nitrate solution, chilled chamomile infusions , string, sage). For lotions, use layers of gauze (at least 16) or rags (at least 8), changing as they warm up (usually after a few minutes). Lotions can be replaced with a wet-dry bandage, which is changed as it dries. The skin around the areas of weeping is lubricated with zinc paste. After the weeping stops, the lesions are lubricated with pastes (2% boron-naphthalan, 2% dermatolo-ichthyol, 2% boron-tar, etc.) 1-2 times a day and covered with a light gauze bandage. After swelling and active hyperemia disappear, ointments with reducing agents are used in increasing concentrations (2-5% dermatol, 2-10% naphthalan, 2-5% tar). In case of severe infiltration in the affected areas, the ointment is applied under an occlusive dressing (use compress paper or plastic film). It is useful to supplement treatment with ointments with warm or hot baths with the addition of infusions of string or chamomile. At any stage of the eczematous process, you can use corticosteroid aerosols (polcortolone, oxycort) or ointments (prednisolone, depersolone, flucinar, fluorocort, lorinden S, etc.).

A feature of the treatment of microbial eczema is the use of local disinfectants, and, if necessary, the administration of oral antibiotics (preferably erythromycin). For seborrheic eczema, additional vitamins A, E, B6, F are used; medicinal products for external use include sulfur preparations (sulfodecort ointment). Outside the period of exacerbation, balneo and mud treatments were provided at resorts (Pyatigorsk, Matsesta, Kemeri, Naftalan, Saki, etc.).

The prognosis is favorable in most cases.

Prevention. Primary prevention consists of professional selection of persons with a hereditary predisposition to eczematous reactions (work in chemical industries, enterprises and laboratories is contraindicated). Secondary prevention involves appropriate employment of patients and their follow-up with a dermatologist.

Infantile eczema is usually observed in children against the background of manifestations of exudative diathesis. For its development, hereditary predisposition to allergic reactions, foci of chronic infection (for example, tonsillitis), dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, dysfunction of the liver, and pancreas are important. Children suffering from E. have allergic reactions to a number of foods (honey, oranges, tangerines, strawberries, sweets).

The disease most often develops in the first year of life (often when the child is transferred to artificial feeding). The skin of the face, scalp, buttocks, extensor surface of the legs, dorsum of the hands, and forearms is affected. Against the background of erythema, an abundant papular-vesicular rash appears, and after the opening of the vesicles, many weeping microerosions remain. The latter are subsequently covered with crusts and scales ( Fig. 6 ). In the clinical picture of childhood E., the same forms can be distinguished as in E. in adults ( Fig. 7 ), however, signs of various forms of eczema are often found in the same sick child.

Children's E. can be complicated by secondary pyococcal (impetiginous E.) or viral (herpetic E.) infection. With impetiginous E., phlyctenas appear in the lesions—pustules such as flat blisters with purulent contents that shrink into crusts. With herpetic E., in the lesions against the background of an increase in body temperature, grouped bubbles appear with an attack in the central part; in their place, areas of necrosis form, leaving small scars (as with chickenpox). The process is accompanied by an increase in body temperature (up to 39°), changes in the blood (leukocytosis, increased ESR). In severe cases (especially in young children), the process can be complicated by meningitis and sepsis.

In the treatment of childhood E., great importance is attached to nutritional correction (limiting the carbohydrate-fat load, excluding extractive dishes, including meat broths, spicy salty ones, as well as citrus fruits and mushrooms). A dairy-vegetable diet is recommended. Antihistamines, sedatives, vitamins (especially A, C, B2, B6, B5), calcium preparations, enzymes that normalize the functioning of the digestive organs are prescribed internally; externally - lotions with tea infusions, chamomile, strings, softening creams, naphthalan, tar pastes with ASD (III fraction), etc. Corticosteroid creams are recommended for acute processes in dilution with nourishing creams, baby cream, etc. (from 1:10 to 1:2 depending on the age of the child). Broad-spectrum antibiotics and antiviral drugs are used for complications of childhood and secondary infections. During exacerbations of E. it is necessary to refrain from vaccinations.

Bibliography: Differential diagnosis of skin diseases, ed. B.A. Berenbein and A.A. Studnitsyna, M., 1989; Mashkilleyson L.N. Private dermatology, M., 1965.

Rice. 2. Multiple small erosions and peeling against the background of erythema and swelling on the dorsum of the hands with true eczema.

Rice. 4b). Microbial eczema: congestive erythema, small papulovesicular rashes around the fistula on the lower leg.

Rice. 4a). Microbial eczema: rounded lesions of an erythematous-vesicular-pustular nature, covered with crusts and scales.

Rice. 1. Erythema, swelling, vesiculation, weeping on the skin of the lower extremities in acute eczema.

Rice. 5 B). Seborrheic eczema: areas of erythema, papular rashes, scaly-cortical layers on the skin of the back.

Rice. 5a). Seborrheic eczema: erythema, a large number of layered yellow scales on the scalp.

Rice. 6. Erythema, papular-vesicular rashes on the face of a child suffering from eczema.

Rice. 7. Abundant yellowish scaly crusts on an erythematous background, mainly in the forehead, in a child suffering from eczema.

Rice. 3. Bubbles in different stages of development, small erosions, cracks, crusts, scales on an erythematous background on the palmar surface of the bones in dyshidrotic eczema.

II

Eczema (eczema; Greek ekzema rash on the skin, from ekzeō to boil, flare up)

recurrent neuroallergic dermatosis, characterized by the development of serous inflammation of the papillary layer of the dermis and focal spongiosis of the epidermis, manifested by a polymorphic itchy rash (vesicles, papules, erythema, etc.).

Varicose eczema (e. varicosum) - E. in the area of ​​the legs, occurring L. with varicose veins.

Hyperkeratotic eczema (e. hyperkeratoticum) - see Tilotic eczema.

Children's eczema (e. infantile, e. infantium) - E. that develops in children against the background of exudative diathesis.

Dyshidrotic eczema (e. dyshidroticum) - E., localized on the palms and soles and accompanied by the formation of multi-chamber blisters.

Impetiginous eczema (e. impetiginosum) - E. complicated by impetigo.

Intertriginous eczema (e. intertliginosum) - E., localized mainly in the folds of the skin.

True eczema (e. verum) - E. in the form of symmetrical scattered small lesions that do not have clear boundaries, alternating with areas of healthy skin and usually located on the extremities.

Keratotic eczema (e. keratoticum) - see Tylotic eczema.

Contact eczema (e. contactum) is an eczema that develops at the site of contact with substances to which the skin is sensitive.

Palmoplantar eczema (e. palmoplantare) - see Tylotic eczema.

Menstrual eczema (e. menstruale) - E., worsening during the premenstrual and menstrual periods.

Microbial eczema (e. microbicum) is an eczema that develops around a focus of purulent inflammation and is characterized by a sharp boundary in the form of a strip of exfoliating epidermis between the affected and unaffected skin.

Weeping eczema (e. madidans) - E., in which pronounced weeping is observed.

Coin-shaped eczema (E. nummulare; synonym E. nummular) is a microbial Eczema in which areas of the affected skin have a rounded shape.

Nummular eczema (e. nummulare; lat. nummus coin) - see Coin-shaped eczema.

Paratraumatic eczema (e. paratraumaticum) is a microbial E. localized around the damaged area of ​​the skin.

Occupational eczema (e. professionale) - E., most often on the hands, resulting from exposure to occupational hazards.

Pruriginous eczema (e. pruriginosum) - E., in which papulovesicles predominate among the elements of the rash.

Horny eczema (e. keratoticum) - see Tylotic eczema.

Seborrheic eczema (e. seborrhoicum) - E. with seborrhea, developing on the skin of the face, scalp, chest and back in the form of erythematopapular rashes with pronounced large-plate peeling and lack of weeping.

Solar eczema (e. solare) - E. that occurs on open areas of the skin with increased sensitivity to solar radiation; a type of photodermatosis.

Tylotic eczema (E. tyloticum; Greek tylōsis callus; syn.: E. hyperkeratotic, E. keratotic, E. palmoplantar, E. horny) - E. on the palms and soles, accompanied by hyperkeratosis; develops more often in women during menopause.

Source: Medical Encyclopedia on Gufo.me

Meanings in other dictionaries

1. eczema - ECZEMA [ze], s, f. A neuro-allergic skin disease accompanied by itching and rash. | adj. eczematous, oh, oh (special). Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary
2. eczema - orf. eczema, -s Spelling Dictionary Lopatin
3. ECZEMA - honey. Eczema is a chronic relapsing disease with acute inflammatory symptoms caused by serous inflammation of the skin and polymorphism of the elements of the rash; occurs at any age. Directory of diseases
4. Eczema - (Greek ékzema - rash on the skin, from ekzéo - boil) is an acute or chronic non-contagious inflammatory skin disease of a neuro-allergic nature, characterized by a variety of rashes, burning sensation, itching and a tendency to relapse. Great Soviet Encyclopedia
5. eczema - Eczema is a chronic relapsing disease with acute inflammatory symptoms caused by serous inflammation of the skin and polymorphism of the elements of the rash; occurs at any age. Medical dictionary
6. eczema - eczema g. A common skin disease as a human reaction to various external and internal irritants, characterized by severe itching of the affected areas, their redness and the formation of blisters or scabs that become weeping and then crust over. Explanatory Dictionary by Efremova
7. eczema - [ze], eczema, g. [from Greek ekzeo – boiling] (honey). Skin disease, expressed in rashes, blisters, pustules, etc. and in severe itching. Large dictionary of foreign words
8. ECZEMA - ECZEMA (from the Greek ekzema - rash on the skin) is a chronic non-contagious recurrent skin disease that occurs when metabolism, functions of the nervous system and endocrine glands are disrupted... Large encyclopedic dictionary
9. eczema - Eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema, eczema Zaliznyak’s Grammar Dictionary
10. eczema - EKZ'EMA [ze], eczema, female. (from Greek ekzeo - boil) (honey). A skin disease expressed in rashes, blisters, pustules, etc., and severe itching. Have eczema. Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
11. eczema - ECZEMA (Eczema), inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin, characterized by a variety of itchy rashes. Dogs and cats get sick, less often horses, etc. horn. livestock There are acute, subacute and chronic. course with relapses. Veterinary encyclopedic dictionary
12. Eczema - It is often acute, but in most cases chronic, accompanied by itching, a skin disease, manifested in part by irregularly scattered or closely crowded nodules (papules), blisters and pustules (pustules) ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron
13. eczema - s, w. Chronic non-contagious inflammatory skin disease, characterized by rash, itching, etc. [From Greek. 'έκζεμα - pimples, rash] Small academic dictionary
14. eczema - ECZEMA -s; and. [from Greek ekzema - pimples, rash] Neuro-allergic (non-contagious) inflammatory skin disease, characterized by rash, itching, etc. ◁ Eczematous, -aya, -oe. Honey. Kuznetsov's Explanatory Dictionary
15. eczema - noun, number of synonyms: 3 disease 995 dyshidrosis 3 biting midge 3 Russian synonym dictionary
16. eczema - Eczema/a. Morphemic-spelling dictionary

• Blog
• Jerzy Lec
• Contacts
• Terms of use

© 2019 Gufo.me

Classification

Occupational eczema is divided into 3 types:

1. Acute form. Peak of all symptoms. Not only complex therapy is needed, but also medical supervision to shorten the period of the acute phase.
2. Subacute form. Symptoms become less pronounced, but if not treated correctly, a return to the acute phase is possible.
3. Chronic course. Characterized by attenuation of specific symptoms. In the future, there remains a risk of exacerbation, but it can be successfully avoided by following the advice and recommendations.

In the video below, a specialist talks in detail about occupational and other types of eczema:

Elementary methods of disease prevention

Like any other disease, dermatosis is easier to prevent, because the treatment of occupational eczema is a long process that requires an integrated approach. The prevention of skin disease deserves special attention.

To prevent the development of occupational eczema, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Regularly perform activities aimed at strengthening the immune system.
2. Minimize the frequency of contact with allergens and harmful substances.
3. Watch your diet and avoid any junk food.
4. Avoid stressful situations.
5. Provide yourself with adequate rest and regular sleep.
6. Timely treat infectious and inflammatory processes in the body.
7. Stop drinking alcohol and smoking.

To prevent the development of occupational eczema, you need to give up alcohol and cigarettes.

If the disease cannot be cured, it would probably be more rational for the patient to think about changing jobs. Untreated occupational eczema on the hands is fraught with serious complications such as impetigo, pyoderma or erythroderma. These pathologies require medical intervention and hospital treatment. When the root cause is eliminated, eczema is completely cured.

Treatment

For successful treatment of weeping eczema, it is necessary first of all to identify and exclude (if impossible, limit as much as possible) contact with provoking factors (allergens, household chemicals, occupational hazards).

At the initial stage of treatment, a course of desensitizing (reducing increased pathological sensitivity to allergens) therapy is carried out. For this purpose, diuretics (Furosemide, Lasix, Torsid), detoxification therapy (if necessary, intravenous administration of saline and Ringer's solutions, Reosorbilact, glucose), injections of calcium gluconate and magnesium sulfate are prescribed. For any manifestations, enterosorbents are prescribed (activated carbon, Atoxil, Polysorb, Smecta).

Antihistamines are used to relieve itching and reduce the symptoms of allergic inflammation. Preference is given to 3rd generation drugs:

• Levocyterizin (Alerzin, Aleron, L-cet, Glencet, Xizal, Cetrilev).
• Desloradatin (Alernova, Alersis, Lordes, Hitaxa, Erius).
• Fexovenadine (Alexofast, Altiva, Denox, Telfast).

These medications have a minimal number of side effects, do not cause drowsiness or lethargy, and, on the recommendation of a doctor, can be used to treat pregnant women and children.

In case of intense itching, which intensifies in the evening and causes insomnia, a specialist may prescribe a first-generation drug - Chloropyramine (Suprastin) for additional sedation.

The dosage, frequency and duration of taking antiallergic drugs is selected by a dermatologist or allergist depending on the severity of the disease. Typically, the course of antihistamines lasts 7-14 days, during which the patient needs to take 1-4 tablets per day.

If the disease is severe, accompanied by severe swelling and the risk of developing urticaria, Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock, hormonal agents - corticosteroids - are used. When treating weeping eczema, Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone (Medrol), and Dexamethasone are prescribed.

In case of infection of the wound surface, antibiotics are prescribed (Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Azithromycin and others (depending on the suspected pathogen or according to the results of a sensitivity test), antifungal drugs (Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Terbinafine).

Additionally, agents are used to help normalize the function of the gastrointestinal tract: antacids (Maalox, Rennie), drugs to reduce acidity (Proxium, Nolpaza, Nexium), enzymes (Mezim, Creon, Mikrasim), hepatoprotectors (Heptral, Hepa-merz, Essentiale, Karsil), homeopathy (Apis 3, Oleander, Anacardium).

Gentle herbal-based sedatives (valerian, lemon balm, Afobazol, Sedavit) are necessarily prescribed; if they are ineffective, anti-anxiety and antidepressants (Phenibut, Escitam, Trittico), and sleeping pills are used strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

In order to increase the body's defenses, multivitamin complexes (Complivit, Multi-Tabs, Supradin), injections of vitamins A, E, group B, herbal immunomodulators (echinacea, schisandra, eleutherococcus preparations), interferons are prescribed.

Local therapy

External treatment depends on the clinical picture and the prevailing symptoms of local eczema. To eliminate skin itching, antiallergic agents are used - Fenistil-gel and Psilo-balm. If they are ineffective, topical corticosteroids are prescribed: Celestoderm, Beloderm, Lokoid Hydrocortisone ointments and combination products such as Triderm or Belosalik.

If there are signs of a bacterial infection or microbial eczema, local antibacterial drugs are used - Levomekol, Oflocain. In case of a fungal infection, creams Clotrimazole, Lamisil, Exoderil, Terbinafine and others are used.

When treating the seborrheic form of weeping eczema, specialized shampoos are necessarily prescribed - Nizoral, Dermazol, Perhotal.

You can eliminate weeping erosions using lotions made from silver nitrate, tannin, resorcinol, chlorhexidine, dioxidine and boric acid. As the skin heals, it should be treated with zinc-ichthyol or boron-zinc pastes, water-alcohol mash, and Vishnevsky ointment.

When selecting external remedies, it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a specialist. Based on the examination and test data, he will select the optimal set of medications and tell you about the basic rules for skin care.

How to make lotions for weeping eczema

In order to achieve a rapid reduction in the unpleasant symptoms of the disease and stable remission, it is important to adhere to a number of rules for treating the affected areas of the body.

The main goal of local therapy for eczema is to reduce weeping and heal erosions. For this purpose, drying lotions, compresses with resorcinol and birch tar are used.

The procedure is carried out daily for 3-5 days and consists of several stages:

1. It is necessary to fold a piece of sterile gauze or bandage in four so that the resulting flap completely covers the affected surface of the skin.
2. Moisten the gauze liberally in an astringent solution, squeeze it out and apply it to the area of ​​the rash, do not cover the top with anything.
3. After 15-20 minutes, remove the lotion and allow the skin to dry on its own. You cannot dry yourself or dry your body with other means (hair dryer, fan).
4. Repeat all stages of the procedure 3-4 more times.
5. When finished, treat the skin with a hormonal agent. If necessary, apply antibacterial or antifungal ointment.

Upon completion of treatment, crusts form above the surface of the erosions, which should fall off on their own. On top of them you can apply hormonal and antihistamines to eliminate itching, antifungal drugs, antiseptics or salicylic-zinc ointment to further dry the skin.

Physiotherapy

After the acute inflammatory process has subsided, symptoms have subsided and discomfort has been eliminated, physiotherapeutic treatment is used to consolidate the result and prevent relapses.

The following procedures are widely used: photo, ozone, laser and magnetic therapy.

You can alleviate the condition of weeping eczema using cold treatment (cryotherapy), seaweed wraps (thalassotherapy), mud therapy, paraffin therapy, and acupuncture.

Folk remedies

You can alleviate the condition of weeping eczema at home using alternative medicine. However, it is important to remember that these prescriptions are used only as a supplement and not as a replacement for drug treatment.

They have good efficiency:

• Soda. Softens the skin, effectively eliminates burning, promotes the healing of small wounds, and has a slight antiseptic effect. In order to quickly get rid of weeping eczema, you need to take a warm bath daily (for 10 days) with the addition of 1 pack of baking soda. The duration of the procedure should be 15-20 minutes, after which you should pat the skin dry with a towel and apply hormonal agents to the affected areas.
• Sea salt. It has a drying and mild antipruritic effect, soothes the skin and promotes rapid healing. However, if you have open wounds, you cannot use it because of the discomfort. You can take a bath by adding salt at the rate of 1 kg per 200 liters of water or make baths for your hands and feet.
• Herbal lotions. To prepare, mix dried calendula, chamomile and sage flowers in equal proportions, pour 50 g of the mixture with two glasses of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 15-20 minutes. Strain the resulting infusion, soak clean gauze or a bandage folded in several layers in it and use as a lotion for 20 minutes three times a day.
• Cabbage compress with egg. It is necessary to grate several leaves of white cabbage on a fine grater. Mix 3 tablespoons of the resulting pulp with the white of a chicken egg, place the mixture on the affected area of ​​skin and secure with a bandage. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours.

For eczema localized in the scalp area, it is useful to make masks from coconut and almond oil. To do this, heat the components in a water bath, rub thoroughly into the hair roots and leave for 20-40 minutes, then rinse with shampoo (it is advisable to use products with antifungal components). This procedure has a beneficial effect not only on the condition of the skin, but also on the hair.

You can strengthen your immune system and avoid exacerbations of the disease with the help of vitamin herbal teas. To prepare a healing infusion, mix 3 teaspoons of dry herbs of yarrow, St. John's wort, horsetail, wormwood and sage. Pour a tablespoon of the resulting tea with a glass of boiling water and heat in a water bath for 15 minutes. Cool the infusion, dilute with water to 200 ml. Drink 1/3 glass three times a day 30 minutes before meals. You need to drink vitamin tea for at least 3 months.

Symptoms

The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of skin hyperemia at the site of greatest contact with the harmful substance, then papular rashes form, and when the blisters spontaneously open, weeping eczema occurs.

With prolonged exposure to a harmful substance and a chronic process, dermatosis spreads to healthy areas of the skin. With a long course, the disease leaves an imprint in the form of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of the affected area, the skin becomes dry and constantly peels, even in the remission phase there is no complete recovery.

The patient is constantly haunted by itching and soreness of the affected area.

Progress of the disease

Eczema in the neck area can appear as dry or weeping rashes. The aggressiveness of symptoms and the speed of the disease depend solely on the severity of the pathology, which is characterized by three main options:

• The acute form is represented by a strong inflammatory process, increased body temperature, pronounced clinical manifestations, malaise, and rash.
• The subacute stage is characterized by the gradual formation of painful rashes. Eczema manifests itself over a long period of time (approximately 3-7 months).
• Chronic form: long-term alternation of exacerbations and remissions. The worsening and easing of symptoms depends entirely on a properly developed treatment regimen. Dermatopathology becomes chronic in more than 70% of cases.

Complications

Complications of occupational eczema include:

1. Pyoderma , and sometimes impetigo (is a type of it). This is the appearance of purulent inflammation, which appears as a result of bacteria entering the opened vesicles. The temperature often increases, and the affected areas emit an unpleasant odor. Therapy is carried out in a hospital setting.
2. Erythroderma is an inflammation that affects large areas of the body. Due to the serious danger it poses, further treatment is taken under control and hospitalization is also often required.

Interesting to know! New in the treatment of weeping eczema

Between 2019 and 2019, multiple randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were conducted evaluating the effectiveness of taking live microorganisms (probiotics) for weeping eczema compared with placebo or other therapies.

Reception of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, both individually and in combination, lasted from 4 weeks to 6 months. As a result, there was a moderate decrease in such characteristic signs of eczema as itching, burning of the skin and sleep disturbance, and an improvement in the quality of life of patients compared to control groups.

In addition, a reduction in the severity of weeping eczema (as assessed by health care providers) was reported among individuals taking probiotics. During treatment they had no or minimal side effects.

This makes it possible to include probiotic agents in the complex treatment of eczema, especially with diagnosed dysbiosis or concomitant gastrointestinal pathologies, while taking antibacterial drugs.

Frequently asked questions from patients

Question: Can I take a bath or shower if I have weeping eczema?

Answer: During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to give preference to the shower, however, if you want to soak in the bath, this is not contraindicated. The main rule is to swim no more than 10-15 minutes in warm water. To wash your body, you should use only hypoallergenic gels or foams without dyes or fragrances. At the end of hygiene procedures, you need to blot the skin with a clean terry towel without rubbing, apply hormonal ointment for eczema and drying agents.

Question: How should I change my lifestyle so that eczema flare-ups occur less frequently?

Answer: First of all, it is important to choose the right skin care, use hypoallergenic products, and dry wet areas. It is advisable to avoid synthetics and wear clothes and shoes made from natural materials.

For patients with eczema, it is important to create an optimal microclimate at home, the temperature should be 20-25 ℃, it is advisable to install a humidifier.

Question: My father, like me, suffers from weeping eczema, what is the likelihood that the disease will be passed on to the child?

Answer: Weeping eczema is a disease with a genetic predisposition. The probability of a child inheriting the pathology, provided that his father is healthy, is 50%. But the disease does not necessarily manifest itself; in order for eczema to develop, a combination of several factors is necessary - heredity, decreased immunity, contact with irritants.

Question: Is it necessary to use hormonal ointments for eczema? Can you do without them? How to cure a disease with folk remedies?

Answer: Corticosteroids are part of complex therapy for moderate and severe eczema. When used correctly on the recommendation of a doctor, they are absolutely safe, are not absorbed into the blood and do not cause side effects. Mild eczema can be treated without hormones (with other medications).

Home remedies should only be used as an adjunct to traditional eczema treatment; they are not effective on their own.

Question: What is childhood eczema? How to treat it in a baby?

Answer: A synonym for “childhood eczema” is “atopic dermatitis.” To treat the pathology, antihistamines and hormonal agents, skin moisturizing creams and emollients are used. According to indications for eczema in infants, vitamins, calcium gluconate and other drugs can be prescribed.

Rules for facial skin care

Skin care for eczema requires compliance with a number of rules:

• You need to wash your face with moderately warm water;
• water procedures during treatment should be carried out as rarely as possible;
• you need to protect your face from long exposure to the sun, the negative effects of frost and wind;
• all materials in contact with the face, head and neck must be natural;
• Do not expose your facial skin to household chemicals and cosmetics;
• To avoid introducing additional infection into the skin, you should not rip off the scabs or try to squeeze their contents out of the blisters.

Course and treatment of the disease in pregnant and lactating women, the elderly

Pregnant women. The disease occurs in expectant mothers, provided that before going on maternity leave she worked, regularly interacting with pathogenic factors. The risk of developing dermatological diseases increases significantly with the onset of pregnancy, as serious hormonal changes occur in the body and immune defense decreases. In the chronic course of eczema, these factors are already enough to provoke a relapse of the disease in a woman, since it is known for certain that it has a polyvalent origin.

The inflammatory process is most often localized on the hands and face of the expectant mother. The affected areas of the skin become swollen and hyperemic, rashes appear on them in the form of vesicles with serous contents, accompanied by painful itching and discomfort. When scratching foci of inflammation, there is a high probability of infection by pathogenic microflora.

The disease does not affect the fetus, since it does not spread through the placental barrier, but since a pronounced symptomatic picture of the pathology can worsen both the physical and psychological condition of the woman, indirect harm cannot be excluded. Unbearable constant itching negatively affects the expectant mother's sleep and mood, provokes irritability, and increases signs of toxicosis.

Complications of eczema are no less dangerous - infection of foci of inflammation can lead to the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the deep layers of the dermis and bloodstream, which becomes the cause of a generalized infection or sepsis, which poses a threat to the life of the mother and child.

It is imperative to treat pathology during pregnancy, under the supervision of a specialist. The main condition for recovery is identifying and eliminating the irritating factor. If we are talking about occupational eczema, the expectant mother may be recommended to change her work activity at the insistence of a dermatologist.

Conservative treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the presence of complications and the duration of pregnancy. In the case of a persistent course and a pronounced clinical picture of dermatosis, the doctor may prescribe to the patient drugs containing corticosteroids in short courses, acceptable for use during the period of pregnancy (as a rule, not earlier than the second trimester). These include Flucinar and Lokoid.

After stopping the acute stage of inflammation or at an early stage of the disease, it is recommended to use non-hormonal ointments and creams based on ichthyol, birch tar, zinc, and dexpanthenol. These include Bepanten, zinc paste, etc. These products prevent the recurrence of pathology, relieve mild signs of the inflammatory process, soothe and accelerate skin restoration.

It is also recommended that the expectant mother adhere to a hypoallergenic diet and take a multivitamin complex prescribed by the doctor to maintain immunity.

Nursing. Occupational eczema in a woman who is breastfeeding may first appear during pregnancy or worsen under the influence of pathogenic factors. Considering that most young mothers are on maternity leave after the birth of a child, dermatosis of this type is extremely rarely diagnosed.

Clinical manifestations of the disease have the same symptoms as in other groups of patients. Eczema is not transmitted through breast milk, but it must be treated. Many medications are contraindicated during lactation, since their active components can penetrate the systemic bloodstream and harm the baby, so treatment is selected strictly by a specialist, taking into account associated factors and the severity of the pathology.

If you cannot do without steroid ointments and creams, your doctor may advise you to temporarily interrupt breastfeeding and transfer the child to artificial nutrition. After completing the course of treatment, lactation can be resumed. Non-hormonal local agents can be used for a long time until the signs of dermatosis disappear. Also, a young mother should not forget about the importance of following a hypoallergenic diet.

Elderly. In older people, occupational type eczema is perhaps most common. As a rule, we are talking about an advanced skin disease that has developed into a true form of dermatosis.

The inflammatory process is characterized by a long course, but after eliminating the provoking factor, the patient’s condition improves significantly. Each time, relapses of the pathology occur in a more severe form. Treatment of elderly people is carried out according to general principles with other patients.

Relapse

The absence of relapses of occupational eczema is possible provided that contact with factors that irritate the skin is avoided - if this is not done, even high-quality drug treatment will not protect against exacerbations of the pathological process in the future. If a relapse develops, the patient is advised to consult a specialist again and undergo a second course of therapy.

Since eczema is a chronic dermatological disease with frequent exacerbations, as a rule, the goal of treatment is to prolong the period of remission as much as possible and reduce the frequency of relapses. In some cases, the effectiveness of therapy and prevention can last at least several years, sometimes for life.

Unfortunately, the professional form of eczema often turns into true eczema. In this regard, the likelihood of exacerbations increases significantly, since the latter is characterized by a long, relapsing course. In this case, outbreaks of the inflammatory process can arise from a wide range of causes - not only industrial irritants, but also neuropsychic injuries, food allergens, bacterial microflora, etc.

Diet

A balanced diet and dietary therapy help reduce the risk of developing allergic reactions, which could be a trigger for the occurrence of occupational eczema. The basis of the diet of a person suffering from a skin disease during an exacerbation should be fermented milk products, vegetables and fruits, boiled lean meat and cereals. The daily menu should cover the body’s needs not only for nutrients, but also for essential vitamins and microelements.

It is recommended to give up eggs, confectionery, red fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, processed foods, fried and smoked foods, caffeine and alcoholic beverages, as all this can provoke a new outbreak of an allergic reaction and inflammatory process.

Strict adherence to the diet will speed up the patient's recovery. After remission occurs, it is important to reconsider your eating habits and consciously give up foods that provoke allergies and do not benefit the body. Your doctor will give you recommendations on how you should eat in the future.

Treatment of occupational eczema

Today there are a wide variety of treatments for occupational eczema. However, no matter which method is chosen, the therapy itself is challenging to accomplish. If in the case of ordinary allergic dermatitis it is enough to eliminate only the provoking factor, then with the treatment of occupational eczema everything is much more complicated. The latter can be explained by the polyvalent nature of sensitization, which requires an adequate approach to complex therapy.

The best treatment for occupational eczema is the use of corticosteroids, including corticotropin, prennisolone, or triamcinolone. Antihistamines such as diprazine or diazolin are prescribed, as a rule, to reduce sensitization of the body and eliminate itching. Extracorporeal hemocorrection methods can have a positive effect in the treatment of occupational eczema. Doctors also often recommend the use of vitamin therapy, and in case of severe itching, various sedatives.

Complications and consequences

Eczema has virtually no dangerous complications. Scratching eczematous lesions is dangerous; young children are most often susceptible to this problem. Microtraumas that occur when scratching, combined with areas of weeping, represent ideal conditions for the development of microorganisms. Scratched lesions of eczema can transform into impetigo, which is a pustular lesion of the skin.

In people with immunodeficiency (patients with HIV or people after immunosuppressive therapy), impetigo can cause sepsis, so this category of patients should be examined and treated under continuous medical supervision.

A fairly rare complication is the occurrence of strictures of the external auditory canal, which is formed when the ear is affected by eczema. Strictures are one of the causes of hearing loss.