CONTACT ECZEMA                                                                     

Contact eczema can be divided into two distinct problems, which are referred to as direct irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The former term 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.

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.

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.

For more information see 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.

For more information see Irritant contact dermatitis or eczema occurs when chemicals or physical agents damage the surface of the skin faster than the akin is able to repair the damage.