ECZEMA
TREATMENT
IN TURKEY
Eczema, which is a common disease among the people and has different types, is one of the first reasons for applying to dermatology outpatient clinics. The exact cause may not be known, but it can be controlled with some precautions and appropriate treatment planning. It is important to know the symptoms of eczema well and to consult a doctor without wasting time.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema; It is a type of skin disease that dries the skin, causing itching and sometimes blisters. Eczema, which is a common disease among the people and has different types, is one of the most common reasons for applying to dermatology outpatient clinics.
It can be seen due to more than one reason; however, the exact causes of eczema are not known exactly. As there are multiple factors that cause eczema, there are many types of eczema. The symptoms of eczema may vary depending on the types.
In eczema, various disorders are seen on the skin. Redness on the body, itching, blistering, drying and cracking of the skin are among these disorders. Due to eczema, the flaking and cracked skin causes the entry of microorganisms, and infection may also occur. For this, early diagnosis of eczema is very important.
Although it is usually seen on the hands, legs and feet, eczema can occur anywhere on the body. Although eczema can cause an uncomfortable appearance, it is not a dangerous ailment. It can be controlled with simple treatments. It is important to know the symptoms of eczema well and to consult a doctor without wasting time.
ECZEMA SYMPTOMS
Although the symptoms of eczema vary from person to person, lesions in infants and young children are usually seen on the elbows, knees, scalp and face.
In older children and adults, the most common areas of lesions are the hands, feet, inner arms, and back of the knees.
Symptoms may include:
-
Dry, scaly lesions
-
dry skin
-
thickening of the skin
-
collection of water in the skin
-
Redness and swelling of the skin
-
changes in skin color
-
Sensitivity and sensitivity
-
Injuries to the skin during scratching
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ECZEMA?
The cause of eczema varies according to the type of the disease. The disease usually occurs as a response of the skin to a stimulus. This stimulus can be internal or external. Chemicals such as detergent, soap, perfume, rubber shoes and slippers, and some metals can cause eczema in individuals. Contact with plant and animal species, exposure to the sun and some oral medications can also cause eczema in people with sensitivities. In these people, the disease may occur immediately after contact with the stimulus, or it may manifest itself after a certain period of exposure to the stimulant substance. Allergic eczema may also be associated with the consumption of certain types of food. Apart from these, stress and circulation problems are among the known causes of eczema.
HOW IS ECZEMA DIAGNOSED?
The diagnosis of eczema is usually made by clinical examination. It is very important to take a detailed history of the patient, who is examined by an allergy (immunology) specialist and dermatologist. The periods when the disease is alleviated or exacerbated and the symptoms it causes in the individual are learned in detail. As a result of physical examination, the diagnosis of the disease can be made as a result of examining the red and itchy areas on the body, and considering factors such as genetic predisposition. In addition, allergy tests can also be used in the diagnosis of the disease.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ECZEMA?
Eczema is medically treated with different classifications. Accordingly, the types of eczema are:
Asteatotic Eczema
It occurs due to a decrease in the amount of oil in the skin for various reasons. These reasons include aging and seasonal changes. The incidence increases with advancing age, as the oil content of the skin decreases. In addition, it has been determined that the incidence of the disease increases due to the increase in dryness in the air during the winter months. In this type of eczema, dryness, flaking is observed on the skin with the reduction of the oil layer and cracks may occur on the skin.
Atopic Eczema
Itching, redness and scaling are among the symptoms of atopic eczema. It can start on the face and spread to the hands, arms, legs and trunk. It is also known as baby eczema, as it is mostly seen in infancy and childhood. This disease, which can recur even if treatment is applied in infants, may disappear spontaneously in later ages.
Gravitational Eczema
It is a disease that usually accompanies varicose veins. It can be seen in people who have a high risk of varicose veins and who work standing up, and the incidence increases in older ages. The disease manifests itself with the increase in blood pressure in the area where varicose veins occur, and the increase in pressure on the skin and skin irritation. dryness. If left untreated, there is a risk of it becoming chronic.
Contact Eczema
This type of eczema usually only affects the area in contact with the allergen. Examples of allergens are cosmetics, paints, cleaning agents, various industrial substances and poisonous plants. In order to prevent this type of eczema, it is necessary to detect the allergen and cut off contact with it. Contact eczema can be short-term and temporary, or it can be long-term and recurrent.
Nummular Eczema
It is a chronic disease characterized by circular and multiple lesions on the skin. These spots are itchy and in the form of fluid-filled blisters. As the fluid in the blisters drains, the skin may become dry and crusting may occur. It is usually seen on the hands, arms and legs.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis, a type of chronic eczema, are not fully known. Also known as ear eczema, this type of eczema is mostly seen on oily skin. However, the place where it is seen is not limited to the ear, but can also be found on other oily skin parts of the body. For example, ear, scalp, chest area, nose edges can be shown. It is known that stress is especially effective in the emergence of the disease.
Stress Eczema
Stress is one of the important factors that cause eczema. In order to prevent eczema caused by stress, stressful environments and situations should be avoided.
HOW IS ECZEMA TREATED?
Eczema is a skin disease that can turn into a chronic disease and has no definite treatment. Treatments applied to people who have had this disease are generally carried out to prevent or reduce the severity of the symptoms caused by eczema. In eczema, which occurs as an allergy to anything, the treatment applied to the person should be prevented from contacting the triggering stimulant or the frequency of contact should be reduced. In the treatment phase of the disease, the doctor should act in accordance with the recommendations, generally it will be useful to use anti-allergic drugs, corticosteroid-containing drugs and moisturizers. Gels and creams are used to prevent itching. In order to avoid dryness on the skin, plenty of water should be consumed and the skin should be constantly moisturized. It is very important not to scratch the skin and not to burst the bubbles during the treatment period.
In the treatment of eczema, drugs that suppress the immune system other than cortisone, local corticosteroid pomades and wet dressings are used. Neutral soaps, moisturizers, barrier creams, eczema gloves and shampoos produced for eczema are recommended to reduce the frequency of attacks and strengthen the skin.
Although eczema may seem like a simple disease, it is a disease that causes discomfort to the patient and reduces the quality of life with itching. In cold weather, which can dry the skin, moisturizing the skin before going out can be effective in preventing eczema, which occurs especially in winter. However, it is necessary to maintain the moisture balance of the skin at all times, not only in winter months. For example, the skin should be moisturized to prevent the dryness caused by soap and shower gels after bathing. Water consumption is also important for the skin to maintain its moisture balance. Drinking enough water and maintaining a healthy diet not only contributes to the prevention of many diseases, but also helps to keep eczema under control. It is recommended to minimize contact with dusty surfaces or harmful chemicals to prevent eczema. For this, people who come into contact with such substances frequently due to their job or for various reasons should wear gloves. For example, in order to avoid skin irritation and crack formation, the areas with eczema should never be itchy. The doctor's recommendations should be followed meticulously. Medications to be taken orally or creams to be applied to the skin should be used in the amount and frequency recommended by the doctor. For early diagnosis, a doctor should be consulted before the disease spreads and progresses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Eczema Contagious?
Eczema is a chronic disease that starts in childhood and is a precursor to diseases such as asthma and hay fever in later life. Eczema disease is seen as an intense itching due to drying of the skin and is not a contagious disease.
What kind of drugs are used in the treatment of eczema?
Before the treatment of eczema, it should be determined which type it is. Treatment methods may vary depending on the history of the disease, the course of the disease and whether it has recurred before. For example; While seborrheic eczema can be treated with shampoo and special lotions, in atopic eczema, cortisone medications or creams can be given to the patient first.
Does eczema hurt? How does eczema itch?
Itching is one of the most important problems in some types of eczema. Patients often itch. This situation exacerbates stress, and stress exacerbates eczema. In this case, patients enter a vicious circle.
Itching of the eczema area with nails can cause bleeding, inflammation and pain in the skin. It is very important to plan the right treatment under the control of a doctor to get rid of itching and eczema complaints.
Are eczema and psoriasis alike?
Eczema and psoriasis are similar in some ways because they cause skin irritation and negatively affect psychology. In psoriasis, as in eczema, itching may be the most prominent complaint in some patients, but watering is not seen. There are many different types of eczema. Eczema can be completely eliminated with treatment, but psoriasis has a recurrent feature.
Does eczema increase in winter?
In winter, cold weather and low humidity cause eczema to increase. Indoor heating systems drying out the living area, wearing thick clothes and applying a hotter bath can also trigger eczema.
Does eczema go away on its own?
Eczema can develop in early childhood and in a few cases resolves on its own. For everyone else, eczema is a lifelong skin condition. While scientists have yet to find a cure, there are treatments and ways to manage your eczema to minimize flare-ups.
Which vitamin deficiency causes eczema?
Eczema can signal a lack of vitamin B6 in the body. In its deficiency, cell renewal slows down and skin problems such as eczema and inflammation can be seen.
Vazelin egzamaya iyi gelir mi?
People with eczema should avoid dryness by moisturizing frequently. People who experience severe dryness can use Vaseline with the recommendation of a doctor. This is aimed at eliminating rashes and preventing itching and irritation.