CONTACT ECZEMA

Contact eczema can be divided into two types of eczema, which are referred to as allergic contact dermatitis and direct irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis refers to exposure to acids, alkaline mixtures, detergents and various other chemicals that acutely inflame the skin. The condition can become chronic with repeated exposure. This form of eczema is often encountered in the workplace or at home or outside. Allergic contact eczema is caused by exposure to an allergen that sensitizes the skin leading to acute inflammation of the skin when re-exposure to the irritant or alergen occurs. A crucial distinction between the two is that prior exposure to the agent is necessary for allergic contact eczema to occur whereas direct irritant contact eczema can occur at the first exposure. For example, most people will develop eczema on first exposure to strong chemicals that are acid or alkaline in nature and most often it is to acid agents. And those in need of a treatment for contact eczema or any type of eczema may choose Eczema-Ltd III to meet their needs. As the old saying, "You cannot lose anything but your eczema".

ALLERGIC CONTACT ECZEMA

Allergic contact eczema develops when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. The allergic reaction often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with the substance. For example, an allergic reaction may occur to nickel, which is often found in earrings, belt buckles and jeans buttons. Reactions can also occur after contact with other substances such as perfumes and latex rubber. In order to prevent repeated reactions it is best to prevent contact with anything that you know causes a rash. You may learn much more of allergic contact eczema at Eczema-Ltd III

And for more intormation, you may visit the Americian Osteopathic College of Dermatology to learn more of allergic contact eczeama or dermatitis at Allergic contact dermatitis which is caused by your body's reaction to something that directly contacts the skin .

IRRITANT CONTACT ECZEMA

This is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, which are irritating to the skin. It most commonly occurs on the hands and can be prevented by avoiding the irritants and keeping the skin moisturized. A good moisturizer to use is a pure jojoba oil.

This is a condition that becomes more common as people get older. There are two types of contact eczema:

• Direct irritant contact dermatitis: due to physical damage to the skin caused by friction or certain chemicals. The rash occurs at the point of direct contact with the skin.
• Allergic contact: due to exposure to an allergen that sensitizes the immune system resulting in an antibody response. Further contact with the allergen causes an increasing level of antibody response with the rash developing on other parts of the body other then the point of physical contact.

Symptoms include scaling and thickening of the skin. Itching occurs where the skin has been in contact with a particular allergen such as cosmetics or nickel in jewelry or irritants such as soap or water. In two thirds of contact dermatitis cases the hands are involved because of sensitizing agents the sufferer has encountered at work and even the home. Common allergens are plants, chromate, formaldehyde, thiurams, ethylene diamine, and mercaptobenzothiazole.

People working in certain occupations are particularly prone to contact eczema. It is common in hairdressing, nursing, housework, car workers, interior decorators, building workers and workers who come in close proximity to chemicals. Certain items cause particular problems. These include latex, which is currently in widespread use in gloves, condoms and balloons and is posing a significant occupational hazard. Increasing numbers of healthcare workers are now encountering latex allergy in the course of their work. Prevention is the key to dealing with eczema. People with this allergy should try to avoid latex in the course of their work and in receiving treatment themselves from doctors and dentists who may use latex gloves. Keeping the hands clean, moisturizing the skin after hand washing, first aid for cuts and scrapes and wearing gloves are all useful preventive measure in the workplace.

Other types of eczema arise as a result of causes within the body. These include: atopic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, discoid or nummular eczema, pompholyx or dishydrotic eczema, and varicose dermatitis also known as stasis eczema. Other similar conditions, which are caused by internal factors, include juvenile plantar dermatosis and lichen simplex. There are several types of dermatitis/eczema that look quite similar but have different causes and require different treatments.

Eczema can cause a wide range of symptoms. All types of eczema cause itch, with the exception of seborrheic. The main symptoms (one or all may be present) include: redness, weeping skin, pain, heat, tenderness, scaling, crusting, dryness, fissures (broken skin) and vesicles (small blisters) occur.

LICHEN SIMPLEX

Rubbing and/or scratching by eczema sufferers over a prolonged period causes areas of thickened skin to develop. This is most commonly found on the lower limbs and the nape of the neck. Potent treatment may be needed to relieve the intense itch in these thickened areas, however the potent treatments often have side effects.