Symptoms
Eczema or dermatitis refers to an inflammatory disease of the skin. Depending on the type, cause and stage, various symptoms are possible. These include skin redness, swelling, itching, blisters, and dry skin. In the chronic stage, crusting, thickening, cracking and scaling are often also observed. Eczema is usually non-infectious, but can become secondarily infected, damage the skin, and be a psychosocial problem. Some eczema, such as irritant contact dermatitis, may even require a change of occupation.
Causes
There are many possible causes of the skin condition. The following table shows possible triggers and some different types of eczema.
| Desiccation Eczema | Dry skin |
| Atopic dermatitis | heredity, allergy, dry skin |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Allergy |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Irritants |
| Postscabious eczema | Post parasitic infestation |
| Seborrheic dermatitis | Seborrhea, fungi |
| Dyshidrotic eczema | Cause not precisely known |
| Bath dermatitis | Parasite infestation, allergy |
| Meadow grass dermatitis | Plant constituents, UV light |
| Diaper rash | Moisture, friction, irritants, microorganisms. |
| Intertrigo | Friction, moisture |
| Stasis eczema | Chronic venous insufficiency |
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by medical treatment, preferably by a dermatologist. Among other things, an allergy test may be required. Eczema does not include, for example, acne, rosacea, impetigo, an erythema or chickenpox.
Nonpharmacologic treatment
- Potential triggers should be avoided (e.g., allergens, irritants)
- Apply cold compresses
- Do not scratch when itching, as this can aggravate the discomfort in the longer term
- Use mild soap
Drug treatment
The treatment of eczema differs according to the cause. The following is a list of medicines commonly used for eczema treatment. Skin care products:
- Skin care products make the skin soft and supple, supply lipids and water, and strengthen the skin barrier. Different bases are used depending on the stage.
Topical glucocorticoids:
- Topical glucocorticoids (“cortisone“) have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antipruritic properties. They are considered the first-line agents, depending on the type of eczema. However, they should not be applied over too long a period of time, over large areas, or under occlusion to prevent adverse effects. In severe cases, taking glucocorticoids may also be indicated.
Antipruritic agents:
- Itch-relieving agents such as antihistamines, menthol, camphor, polidocanol and zinc oxide can symptomatically relieve discomfort, but usually have no effect on the course of the disease.
Antihistamines:
- Antihistamines are particularly effective for allergic causes. They are administered locally as a gel or cream or perorally. 1st generation antihistamines are also administered at night because of their attenuating properties, to help sleep through the night despite the itching. However, the contraindications and possible adverse effects must be considered.
Cardiospermum:
- Cardiospermum is widely used, especially in alternative medicine, for the treatment of eczema. It is mainly applied locally as an ointment. Cardiospermum ointments are better tolerated than topical glucocorticoids.
Other medicines:
- Ectoin (Sanadermil EctoinAcute) is a natural active ingredient with cell-protective, anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties that can be used both for prevention and treatment of eczema.
- In addition, anti-infectives, immunosuppressants, phototherapy, retinoids, antiseptics, immunosuppressants, vitamins and alternative medicine methods, among others, are also used.
