ECZEMA - Itch

Eczema is a collective term for inflammatory lesions. This could result in an acute state of swelling, redness, blisters or nodules, flakes and oozing. May occur later deposits. Often, the dermatitis associated with severe itching. If a chronic eczema, thickens the cornea and the skin becomes dry and cracked. We distinguish between external (exogenous) eczema, which is caused by external influences, and inward (endogenous) eczema is organic. The cause of the endogenous eczema, atopic dermatitis, is often hard to find out.

Eczema usually occurs at the point where the contact took place with the causing substance. You can be an immunological (skin allergy) or directly caused by a skin-irritating substance. Allergic reactions can only occur after years of constant contact with the substance, but then connect with each other to immediately contact again. Non-allergic eczema by weak irritants often occur only after prolonged exposure to the harmful substance (such as water, cleaning agents) on. If the substance is severely irritating (eg acids or alkalis), connect the complaints immediately. Both allergic and non allergic eczema may be aggravated in part by solar radiation (eg cosmetics allergy is worse in the sun).

Common causes

Eczema-causing substances:
* Drugs.
* Cosmetics.
* Chemicals (for example, cleaning agents).
* Textiles.
* Metals (eg nickel in costume jewelry or belt buckles).
* Food (for example, cow's milk in infancy).
* Plants.

What can you do

* Initiating find substance as possible to avoid or at least prevent direct skin contact.

* Do not use ordinary soap, as it attacks the protective layer of the skin, thus drying out the skin. Instead of using soap rather wash creams, washing gels or washing pieces (Syndet).

* Instead of bubble baths or high-foaming shower gels use lotion or oil baths. These dry out the skin does not, but fat and maintain it during the cleaning process.

* After washing the skin with a moisturizing lotion cream.

* Use of allergy-tested skin care products that are suitable for dry, sensitive skin (even the sun).

* Patients with sonnenempfindlichem eczema should avoid the sun.

* Excessive sweating of the sites prevent eczema. The salty sweat irritates the skin.

* Applying a salve for eczema (eg bufexamac or hydrocortisone).

* Against strong itching with antihistamine tablets to help active ingredient (= pruritic, anti-allergic). This drug is also available as ointments, creams or gels for external use for weaker itching.

When you need a doctor

* For severe symptoms or if the discomfort continues.

What your doctor can do

* Finding out the cause of eczema (eg, allergy test).

* Treatment of eczema symptoms with more effective treatments for itching or inflammation.

Prevention

* When working with skin irritants gloves (preferably made of PVC, including cotton gloves).

* New clothes before you wear wash.

* The sun no perfumes and cosmetics (except sunscreen) apply.