|
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. Allergic contact eczema is caused by exposure to an allergen
that sensitizes the skin leading to acute inflammation when re-exposure
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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 of adults and can be prevented by
avoiding the irritants and keeping the skin moisturized. This
is a condition that becomes more common as people get older. There are two
types of contact eczema:
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. Common allergens are nickel, 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.
In this International Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation website, you will find information about eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, guttate psoriasis, their symptoms, causes and treatments. You will be able to distinguish between eczema and similar conditions such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, contact eczema, light sensitive eczema, juvenile plantar eczema, eczema craquele, eczema herpeticum, atopic eczema, infantile eczema, adult seborrheic eczema, varicose eczema, discoid eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, palmoplantar psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, scalp & ear psoriasis, and nail psoriasis. Treatment, symptoms and medications used in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and skin conditions that co-exist with dermatitis, such as adult acne, lupus, and rosacea will be presented. The informative text on eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis discusses treatment, causes, and lifestyle changes that help treat dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.Here are some other websites dealing with skin diseases:
The Acne Group |