Eczema: what it is, types, and causes

Eczema is not a single disease but a group of inflammatory skin conditions united by itching, dryness, and rash. Its second, equivalent name is dermatitis. The disease is not contagious, and in most people the symptoms ease with age.

What eczema is and how it differs from dermatitis

Eczema and dermatitis are names for the same thing: both words describe inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis, meanwhile, is one of the types of eczema. The course may be acute or chronic, with relapses; at its core are inflammation and itching. The cause is not fully known; genetic and external factors are probably involved.

The most common variant is atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. It occurs at any age but more often in young children. The skin is dry, with cracks, crusts, scaling, or thickening; the color of the lesions depends on skin tone — red, white, purple, gray, lighter or darker than the surrounding areas. Blisters and bleeding may occur. Typical areas are the elbows, knees, and hands; in infants and young children, the face. The course is wavelike: flare-ups alternate with calm periods.

Types of eczema: contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic, and others

In addition to the atopic form, there are contact dermatitis, discoid eczema, pompholyx (dyshidrotic), and varicose eczema. Clinical classifications also include the true (idiopathic), seborrheic, microbial, occupational, and tylotic (horny, callous-like) varieties.

Eczema can be aggravated by contact with an allergen or irritant: soap, laundry detergent, certain fabrics, pets, pollen, dust mites, certain foods. The true form progresses in stages — redness, small blisters, oozing, crusts — with the elements coexisting at the same time. The microbial form develops around infected wounds, trophic ulcers, abrasions, and scratches.

Eczema on the hands: causes and signs

The hands are one of the typical locations: the skin may be dry, with cracks, crusts, scaling, or thickening; blisters and bleeding are possible, often on the knuckles and fingers. The causes combine heredity and external irritants.

• eczema in one or both parents;
• asthma or hay fever in the person themselves or in close relatives;
• contact with soap, laundry detergent, certain fabrics, animals, pollen, dust mites;
• heat and temperature changes, stress, hormonal changes, skin infections.

Eczema on the legs and in children

On the legs, lesions most often sit in the area of the knees and around them. In children, the picture depends on age: in infants and young children the rash is concentrated on the face, primarily on the cheeks; in older children, on the elbows, knees, and hands. Symptoms usually appear in infancy and early childhood and weaken as the child grows; in some children the problem goes away entirely, but the skin may remain dry and easily irritated.

Is eczema contagious, and what do infections have to do with it

No. Eczema is not contagious; you cannot catch it from another person. The real risk is a secondary infection: a staphylococcal skin infection worsens the course, and the herpes virus triggers eczema herpeticum.

You should see a doctor urgently if, against the background of eczema, blisters with purulent contents, oozing, massive crusts, pain, swelling, a feeling of heat in the lesion appear, or if the lesions grow rapidly and the skin condition suddenly worsens.

Eczema itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if, against the background of such skin changes, a high fever has developed and the condition is severe — suspected herpes eczema or infection.

How the diagnosis is made

The doctor examines the skin and asks about a family history of eczema, asthma, and hay fever; if necessary, refers to a dermatologist. People see a doctor at the first symptoms, if things worsen, and if the selected care does not produce results.

This material is for reference: it explains what is happening to the skin but does not replace an examination by a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer