What part is Eczema affected?
Eczema can occur in almost all parts of the body, on the face, hand, or scalp etc.
On the face: around the eye, the eyelid, under the eye, around the nose or around the mouth
On the hairy parts of the body: on the scalp or on the eyebrows
On the head, for example on the ear or in the ear
On the hands or on the feet
On the torso: on the chest, stomach or back
On the arms or legs: The sides of the arms (arm bends, hollow of the knee) or the extensor sides (elbows, knees) can be affected
In skin folds: under the armpits, under the breast, between the fingers, or between the toes
On intimate parts of the body: on the buttocks or anus, on the penis, on the vagina or on the nipples.
There are different forms of eczema, and each type has a specific target location on the body.
The dyshidrotic eczema
Typical for dyshidrotic eczema are small, very itchy blisters on the palms of the hands, on the sides of the fingers, and on the soles of the feet.
The causes can be different: Eczema often occurs in people who have atopic eczema or contact allergies.
Infections with fungi can also trigger the symptoms, chaktty said.
If the skin is damaged by frequent contact with soaps or cleaning agents, this can promote dyshidrotic eczema.
In mild cases, it is sufficient to avoid the triggers and to take good care of the skin.
If the inflammation is more severe, creams containing cortisone can be applied.
Eczema herpeticatum
According to healthpally, Eczema Herpeticatum is a severe but rare disease caused by herpes viruses.
It can occur as a complication of eczema or other skin diseases – especially in atopic eczema (neurodermatitis).
Because of the damaged skin, the viruses can easily spread on the skin.
In eczema herpeticatum, large areas with herpes blisters appear, which are very itchy and painful.
The blisters burst open after a few hours or days and then form crusts.
The face, neck, and upper body are most commonly affected.
The symptoms of the first illness are often severe. There may be fever, a strong feeling of illness, swelling of the lymph nodes, and headaches.
If the disease reoccurs, it usually progresses more easily and with fewer symptoms.
Eczema herpeticatum is treated with drugs that inhibit the multiplication of the herpes virus (antivirals).
These should be used as early as possible – as soon as the diagnosis is established – because they can shorten the duration of the disease.
They are usually applied to the skin as creams or gels. To avoid infection, you and others should touch the affected skin areas as little as possible.
A severe eczema herpeticatum can be a medical emergency that requires inpatient treatment. In this case, the medication is given in the form of infusions.
In babies and small children, eczema herpeticatum is a medical emergency, healthpally boss warned.
Eczematoid dermatitis
Experts refer to eczema as eczematous dermatitis, i.e. eczema that spreads over the body.
They form days or weeks after the original inflammatory reaction of the skin.
Triggers can be allergic or toxic-irritant contact eczema or inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Eczematoid dermatitis occurs on other parts of the body than the original site of inflammation – for example, on the hand after a fungal infection on the foot.
The affected areas are red, itchy, and form blisters and nodules. Cortisone preparations often do not work well in this case.
In contrast, the symptoms often disappear if the original inflammation is successfully treated. However, creams containing cortisone can be helpful in relieving the symptoms.
Itching eczema on the back of the hand
Eczema on the hands is in its final stage, as the skin blisters that have formed have burst and dried; now the crust formation begins
Light therapy and brine baths
Therapy with UV light can help to alleviate the symptoms of chronic eczema.
It can be used at the same time as external treatment with ointments or creams.
Sometimes it is also combined with brine baths. But beware: If the eczema is caused by an allergy to sunlight, light therapy should not be used.
Eczema is often caused by an allergic reaction to certain substances – so-called allergens – such as nickel, fragrances, or dyes.
This is the case with allergic contact eczema and atopic eczema (neurodermatitis).
Irritations caused by chemical substances, soaps, alkalis, or certain drugs can also trigger eczema – for example in toxic-irritant contact eczema.
Certain types of eczema such as seborrhoeic eczema are associated with increased sebum production and certain fungi on the skin.
In some eczema, a family predisposition also plays a role – especially in atopic eczema (neurodermatitis).
Other triggers of eczema can be, for example, dry skin, moisture, and friction – for example in skin folds or under a diaper – or blood congestion in the legs.