Eczema

Overview

Eczema is a skin inflammation characterised by red, scaly, dry or oozing skin patches. The inflammation is non-contagious, usually flares up intermittently, and is often accompanied by severe itching. Eczema can be triggered by specific substances - if these are known, they should be avoided. Genetic factors can also play a role. Eczema should not be scratched.

Symptoms

• Red, scaly skin patches: sometimes dry, sometimes oozing and then crusting
• Rash can consist of small nodules (papules) or blisters
• Cracks (rhagades) often occur
• In acute severe eczema, the skin is often swollen
• Sometimes fever
• Dominant symptom for allergic eczema is itching
• Non-allergic eczema usually doesn't itch
• Seborrhoeic eczema: oily flakes of skin and inflamed, sharply demarcated, yellowish red patches

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Often, genetic predisposition
• Often in combination with allergic disorders, e.g. hay fever or asthma
• Allergic eczema
  • Epoxy resins (adhesives), mineral oils, cement, rubber and latex, hair treatments and dyes, cleaning agents, flour and cereals
  • Typical non-occupational allergens: leather and nickel in buckles and watch straps, cosmetics, preservatives and fragrances, textile dyes, plants
• Toxic/irritant eczema
  • Chemical irritants, in particular cleaning agents, washing powder, disinfectants and thinners
• Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis)
  • Genetic causes, causes related to the immune system
  • Stress and tension make it worse
• Other eczema, e.g. skin glands don't produce enough oil, impaired circulation, or ageing skin

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Skin examination
• Allergy test (search for trigger), if necessary

Possible therapies

• Topical treatment with ointments and mixtures that contain cortisone, tar, zinc or salicylic acid
• More rarely, oral medication
• Avoidance of triggers (see below)

What can I do myself?

• Avoid contact with triggers, for example:
  • Wear gloves when working with chemicals
  • Sun allergy: avoid sun exposure
  • Food allergy: targeted dietary measures
  • Instead of wool and synthetic materials, wear cotton or linen
• Skin care (e.g. hand lotion, mild soap)
• Avoid violent scratching (to prevent scars and infections)
• Low-stress and balanced lifestyle
• Changes in climate (e.g. beach or mountains) can have favourable as well as unfavourable effects
• Suspected to reduce the probability of allergies and neurodermatitis
  • Let children play outside/in the sandpit
  • Continue breastfeeding for a lengthy period

When to see a doctor?

• Chronic skin infection (to evaluate the skin disorder)
• If the eczematous skin areas are infected (overheated, purulent discharge or pus-filled blisters)

Further information

Selbsthilfe Schweiz (Self-Help Support Switzerland)
www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch

aha! Swiss Allergy Centre (aha! Allergiezentrum Schweiz)
www.ahaswiss.ch

Synonyms

eczema, dermatitis