Definiton
Eczema is basically an inflammatory but initially non-infectious skin reaction, triggered by certain noxious substances (toxins). Eczema goes through different stages, which can be classified as acute, subacute and chronic. An attacked and not intact skin surface or also a lowered immune system make the person especially susceptible to eczema between the toes and in the worst case can serve as an entry portal for bacterial pathogens. How eczema manifests itself in individual cases and what can be done about it is explained below.
Symptoms of eczema between the toes
Eczema between the toes can be limited to the spaces between the toes only, but can also spread to other areas of skin on the foot. In the acute phase, small blisters, nodules, redness and swelling appear on the skin, which in some cases can be noticeable due to the inflammatory reaction by itching or slight pain. In the subacute phase, crusts or small skin lesions appear at the bottom of the burst or receding blisters, which are caused by the loss of the top layer of skin.
This can be followed by a chronic phase of eczema. The main symptoms are scaling and thickening of the skin with the formation of a corneal layer, usually accompanied by reddening of the skin. Despite the fact that the eczema repeatedly runs relatively uniformly between the toes, it can also have various accompanying symptoms depending on the cause, such as itching, pain, weeping, bacterial infection, etc.
In addition, this eczema can, for example, occur only once in succession of a contact reaction or it can heal and flare up again and again. In case of a bacterial superinfection of the eczema, it can manifest itself by yellow crusts, overheating and pain. In worse cases, the skin barrier is so damaged by the eczema that germs can spread to the entire lower leg and form erysipelas.
Causes
Although in most cases eczema between the toes always runs the same way, the causes can be of different nature. Harmful substances can act on the skin from the outside, which irritate and dry out the skin in the spaces between the toes, for example alkaline substances, excessive heat or cold or sweat. Without appropriate measures, such as moisturizing or sweat-reducing measures, eczema can easily develop.
In addition, certain substances, such as nickel, can cause an allergic skin reaction, which then presents itself as eczema and, compared to the substances mentioned above, is not strictly limited to the site of action. People with atopic dermatitis more often have a tendency to develop eczema.
- Pollutants
- Foot fungus
- Atopic Dermatitis
All articles in this series:
