Definition
Eczema is an inflammatory reaction of the skin, which can be acute with redness, overheating and itching or chronic with scaling and hornification. Eczema is not contagious and is one of the most common skin diseases. Eczema is often caused by allergic reactions.
Possible triggers can be light as well as substances such as metals, industrial substances or care products. Even in the case of desiccation (too little moisture), the skin sometimes reigns with the development of eczema. These occur more frequently in old age and in winter, as the skin becomes increasingly susceptible.
With moisturizing creams, a complete reduction of itchy skin symptoms can often be achieved. Congestive eczema on the legs is a frequent cause of varicose veins. In addition, there is also an innate tendency to eczema, the so-called atopic dermatitis, which is often accompanied by neurodermatitis and allergic asthma as well as a pollen allergy. In this case, the skin can look very different and the severity of the condition can range from mild courses, which limit themselves, to the most severe skin symptoms, which can only be treated with steroid preparations.
Symptoms of eczema
In the acute stage, redness with overheating is the leading symptom. Mostly there is itching, which can sometimes turn into burning pain. Sometimes small vesicles are formed, which become encrusted after bursting and then heal.
If the eczema is chronic, many different skin changes can be observed. In addition to scales and crusts, blisters and redness may also be present. Due to the chronic inflammation, the skin appears coarser, dry and thickened overall.
Various types of eczema can occur on the face. A common form is seborrheic eczema, which usually becomes chronic and occurs mainly in hairy areas where there is a lot of sweating (hairline, beard, sweat gutter). In this case, the sebaceous glands are overactive and fatty crusts are formed.
Often there is also a fungal infection, which can be treated with an appropriate antifungal ointment (active ingredient, such as ketoconazole). Special antiseborrhoeic shampoos or ointments containing the active ingredient metronidazole offer additional help. Ointments containing steroids are only rarely prescribed for a very pronounced inflammatory reaction.
Atopic eczema also often occurs on the face. They are characterized by a large spectrum of different manifestations. Patients are usually otherwise affected by allergies or have a family history of such conditions.
Through the use of cosmetics and care products, allergic contact eczema is a common occurrence. Piercings can also irritate the skin and lead to inflammation. Perioral dermatitis can be caused by “over-care” of the face with greasy creams or a long application of steroid creams on the face. In this picture, especially the thin skin around the mouth is affected by redness and itchy nodules. This often leads to a vicious circle, as eczema is often interpreted as an undersupply of moisture to the skin.
