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Eczema is an acute or chronic inflammation of the skin that can be caused by skin contact with an offending agent or be the consequence of using some medication, being identified through the appearance of symptoms such as itching, swelling and redness of the skin.
Eczema is a skin disease that has no cure, but it can be controlled with the treatment indicated by the dermatologist. This inflammation can happen at all ages, but it is more frequent in children and health professionals who tend to wash their hands with antiseptic soap very often, which can hurt the skin.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of eczema can vary according to the cause and type of eczema, however, in general, the main symptoms are:
- Redness in place;
- Itching;
- The appearance of blisters on the skin, which can rupture and release a liquid;
- Swelling;
- Skin peeling.
In the chronic phase of eczema, the blisters begin to dry and there is the formation of crusts, in addition to the increased thickness of the skin of the area.
In babies and children eczema is more common on the cheeks, arms and legs, but in adults the symptoms can appear anywhere on the body. In the presence of any indicative sign of eczema, it is important to consult the dermatologist so that an evaluation is made and the most appropriate treatment is indicated.
Causes of eczema
Eczema can be triggered by several factors, however it is more frequent as a result of allergy to tissue, a substance that may have come into contact with the skin or medications. Furthermore, it can also happen due to the temperature of the environment, which can make the skin drier. Thus, according to the cause of the symptoms, eczema can be classified into some types, the main ones being:
- Contact eczema or contact dermatitis, which arises due to contact with an offending agent, which can be a synthetic fabric or enamel, for example, leading to the appearance of symptoms. This type of eczema is not contagious and should be treated according to the dermatologist's guidance. Learn more about contact eczema.
- Stasis eczema, which occurs when there is a change in blood circulation at the site, mainly in the lower limbs;
- Medicated eczema, which happens when the person uses some medication that leads to the development of an allergic reaction that results in the appearance of eczema;
- Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, which is usually associated with asthma and rhinitis and symptoms usually appear on the face and in the folds of the arms and legs, in addition to severe itching;
- Nummular eczema or nummular dermatitis, the cause of which is not yet well established but in some situations it may be related to excessive dryness of the skin, due to cold or dry weather, for example. This type of eczema is characterized by the presence of red, round patches on the skin that itch.
In children, eczema usually appears after 3 months, and can last until adolescence. Treatment should be done according to the pediatrician's guidance, and the use of corticosteroids or antihistamines may be indicated, in addition to keeping the skin hydrated.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for eczema must be indicated by the dermatologist and depends on the type of eczema, causes, severity and age of the person, and the use of corticosteroids or antihistamines in the form of an ointment or cream may be indicated to relieve symptoms and facilitate the healing of injuries. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend the use of antibiotics to prevent possible infections that may happen.
During treatment it is important to keep the skin hydrated, as dry skin is one of the risk factors for worsening symptoms. See what is a good home remedy for eczema.