Eczema

Ezcema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, inflammatory disease that develops as a result of immune system disorders. Usual symptoms: dry, itchy skin, which thickens because of constant rubbing and scratching, leaving sores along the wrinkles and flexural surfaces; it most frequently appears on the limbs. It usually occurs in waves: the condition of the affected area improves for a while, followed by a relapse from time to time.

 

Environmental factors (such as soap, dust, the faeces of the dust mite, allergens entering the body with food or through the respiratory tracts, detergents) may affect the possibility of developing eczema, just like the periodic outbreak of the disease. External factors may not be the only cause of atopic dermatitis, since the same chemical does not cause symptoms for everybody; it depends on the immune system and mental condition of the patient whether the disease (disposition) develops. For example, the immune system of the body deteriorates when exposed to severe stress.

 

 

Eczema is one of the most common diseases, 10% of the world’s population suffers from one of its types. Different substances may cause inflammation by irritation (toxic-irritative dermatitis) or allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis).

• In the case of toxic irritative dermatitis, an irritative substance causes an acute inflammation on the skin (chemicals, cosmetics): the skin turns a vigorous red, its feel becomes warm and tight, its surface shiny. In cases of severe inflammation, blisters appear, the lesions weep, skin becomes scaly, accompanied by a burning, itchy sensation. 

In the case of an allergic reaction, contact with a certain substance (sometimes even the first few occasions) does not cause the skin to react, but on the next occasion it may lead to itching and inflammation within 4-24 hours. The severity of the symptoms may vary; they may range from slight redness to blistery, swollen skin. The disease first appears on the area where the allergen touched the skin, but later it may spread to other parts of the body. The body does not “forget” the allergy for years.